New Law Alert: Kids Under 12 Need Seat Belts in Golf Carts

If you drive your golf cart around town with your kids, there’s a new South Carolina Golf Cart Law you should know about. Starting May 2025, a new law in South Carolina requires all children under the age of 12 to wear a seatbelt when riding in a golf cart on public roads.

Here at Garrett’s Golf Cars, your family’s safety is our top priority, and that includes making sure your golf cart is as safe and comfortable for your little passengers as it is for you. So let’s walk through what the new law means, how to make your cart more kid-friendly, and a few safety tips.

> If it’s been a while since you reviewed SC’s golf cart rules, you can catch up on the basics.

What Does the New Law Say?

House Bill 3292 was signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster in May 2025. It requires that:

“Each golf cart passenger that is under the age of twelve years old, when it is being operated on the public streets and highways of this State, must wear a fastened safety belt.”

In other words, if you’re driving your golf cart on any public road in South Carolina and have a child under 12 on board, they must be buckled up. No exceptions.

This law is part of a larger effort to ensure safety in how golf carts are used across the state, especially now that they’re more common in neighborhoods, beach towns, and city streets.

Other SC Golf Cart Laws

Even if this is the first law you’ve heard about, it’s actually one of many designed to keep people safe on golf carts. Here are a few more SC golf cart laws you should know. 

• Drivers must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license
• Drivers must register their golf carts with the DMV and obtain a permit
• Drivers must possess proof of liability insurance
• You can only drive during daylight hours
• Carts must be operated within four miles of the address on your registration
• You can only use roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less

Note: The new bill gives counties and municipalities greater authority to set area-specific rules for permitted operating hours and travel distances. Be sure to check with your local government to understand the regulations that apply to you.

These rules help keep everyone safe, so be sure to keep them in mind the next time you hit the road in your golf cart.

When Driving with Kids, Safety Comes First

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and so do golf carts! If your kids or grandkids ride along often, there are some easy ways to make your cart safer and more comfortable for them.

Here’s what we recommend most often:

Add Seat Belts (Front & Rear): Many golf carts don’t come with seat belts by default. The good news? They’re easy to install. We offer kits that work with most models and are happy to help you get them installed securely. Remember, now this is the law.

Consider a Rear Seat with Grab Bars: If your kids ride in the back, choose a seat that includes safety grab bars, footrests, or even a wrap-around armrest setup for more stability.

Install Mirrors & Signals: Kids are unpredictable, and having rear-view and side mirrors makes it easier to stay aware of your surroundings. Turn signals are also a must if you’re riding in a busy area.

Get a Windshield or Weather Enclosure: For families using carts year-round, a windshield or enclosure helps protect little riders from dust, wind, or rain, keeping them safe and comfy.

We’ve got even more ideas in our guide on ways to customize your golf cart, whether you’re looking for comfort, style, or safety.

Tips for Driving Kids Around in a Golf Cart

Whether you’re shuttling the kids to a neighbor’s house or cruising the campground, here are some simple driving safety tips we share most often with families:

• Go slower than you think you need to. Kids can get jostled more easily than adults.
• Avoid sharp turns or sudden braking. Keep the ride as smooth as possible.
• Never allow standing riders. Everyone should be seated with belts buckled before you take off.
• Set rules. Just like in the car, no leaning out, no jumping off, and no distracting the driver.

And remember — only drivers 16+ with a license are legally allowed to operate a golf cart in South Carolina.

Golf Cart Safety for Every Family

We love seeing families make memories in their golf carts, and we love helping you do it safely. If you’re not sure what upgrades make sense for your crew, or if you’re just getting started, we’re happy to help.

Stop by our Greenville or Charleston locations, give us a call, or contact us online. We’ll help you figure out what’s best for your family.