The City of Tega Cay has approved a new ordinance allowing golf carts to be operated at night without time restrictions. This change follows a state law signed by Governor Henry McMaster on May 22, 2025, which permits nighttime golf cart use—provided local governments pass ordinances authorizing it.
Tega Cay’s ordinance incorporates all state-mandated safety requirements, including:
- Drivers must hold a valid driver’s license
- Golf carts must be equipped with working headlights and taillights
- All passengers under the age of 12 must be secured in a seat belt or car seat
- State age and safety restrictions must be followed at all times
Local businesses are also responding to the change. Travis Macaluso, owner of Macaluso Golf Carts, noted a sharp increase in customer inquiries since the law went into effect. “We’ve seen a big increase in calls from families asking about seat belt installations since the new law went into effect. Safety has always been a priority for us, and we’re glad to help residents get their golf carts up to code. Installing seat belts is a straightforward process, and we offer both in-shop service and kits for those who prefer to do it themselves. Whether it’s for kids or overall peace of mind, we encourage all golf cart owners to make this upgrade,” Macaluso said.
A full copy of the ordinance is provided below.
Section 50-37.- Regulated Use of golf carts.
a) b) Golf carts shall not be operated on public streets or trails except in accordance with the
provisions of this ordinance and applicable law.
An individual or business owner of a vehicle commonly known as a golf cart shall obtain a
permit decal and registration from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles upon
presenting proof of ownership and liability insurance for the golf cart and upon payment of a
registration fee to the department of motor vehicles. The permit decal must be affixed to the golf
cart and replaced every five years, or at the time the owner changes their address, whichever is
sooner.
c) d) e) A permitted golf cart may be operated anytime day or night within the City jurisdictional limits
on highways or streets with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less and on multiuse
trails; provided that a permitted golf cart may cross a highway or street at an intersection where
the highway has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles an hour.
A golf cart must be equipped with operational headlights and taillights, and if the golf carts is
operated after dusk and before dawn, the headlights and taillights must be illuminated.
Each golf cart passenger that is under the age of twelve years old, when it is being operated on
permitted highways, streets or multiuse trails, must wear a fastened safety belt or be properly
restrained in a car seat or booster seat.
f) A person operating a permitted golf cart must be at least 16 years of age and hold a valid driver’s
license. The operator of a permitted golf cart being operated on a highway, street or multiuse trail
must have in their possession:
(1) The registration certificate issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles;
(2) Proof of liability insurance for the golf cart in conformance with Section 38-77-140 of the
South Carolina Code of laws; and
(3) Valid driver’s license.
