Batesburg-Leesville, SC (06/05/2021 Paul Kirby) – Recently, officers with the Batesburg-Leesville Police Department used social media to remind residents and guest of the town that warm weather traditionally brings an increase in golf cart traffic. Batesburg-Leesville is a beautiful town with lots of history, shopping, eateries, and many of the homes there have wide front porches that are perfect for relaxing as your neighbors motor silently by on their golf cart. The open-air carts are a great way to visit and socialize with others throughout the quiet country town.
Police officers want to make it clear through their message that they want everyone to have fun but also be safe at the same time. There are some simple laws that govern the use of golf carts on the roads, and these are in place to ensure the safety of people on the carts and motorist that share the streets and roads with them. If you break the laws on a gold cart, you are subject to fines and jail just as if you were driving any other vehicle.
Here’s what the SC State laws say about driving a golf cart on a public street or road:
• You must have a permit issued by the SCDMV. That permit must be with you on the cart when you drive.
• You must have your golf cart insured and you must have proof of that insurance with you while driving.
• You must be 16 years of age and have a VALID driver’s license.
• You must have your license in your possession when operating a cart on the streets or highways.
• You can only drive a golf cart during DAYLIGHT hours.
• You can only drive on secondary highways or streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.
• You can cross a highway or street at intersections even if the highway or street being crossed has a speed limit of greater than 35 mph.
• You must stay within four miles of the address on the cart’s permit.
• You absolutely cannot drive while under the influence! You can be charged with DUI and/or having an open container just as if you were driving a car.
Please follow these simple laws so that your summer of carting will be a happy one!
