For residents and tourists in the Isle of Palms, Daniel Island, and Hilton Head, golf carts are a way of life. They offer a convenient, open-air way to visit the beach or navigate communities like Wild Dunes.
However, the relaxed atmosphere often leads drivers to ignore safety protocols. When a crash occurs, victims are often shocked to learn that South Carolina law treats golf cart accidents very differently from standard car crashes.
At Bringardner Injury Law Firm, we frequently handle cases where a “fun ride” ends in traumatic brain injuries or spinal fractures. The complexity in these cases often lies in one specific question: Was it a golf cart, or was it a low-speed vehicle (LSV)? The answer determines which insurance policy pays for your medical bills.
Key Takeaways
- The “4-Mile” Rule: Standard golf carts can only be driven within 4 miles of the registration address.
- LSV Distinction: Low-speed vehicles (LSVs) have different insurance requirements and can be driven at night.
- Negligent Entrustment: Parents can be held liable if they allow unlicensed minors to drive, a common cause of serious injury.
- DUI Laws Apply: You can be arrested for DUI on a golf cart in South Carolina.
The Legal Difference: Golf Cart vs. LSV
In the eyes of South Carolina law, these are two distinct vehicles with different liability rules.
1. Standard Golf Carts (SC Code § 56-2-105)
A standard cart is limited to speeds of 20 mph or less. Legally, it:
- Can only be operated during daylight hours.
- Can only be driven on secondary highways with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.
- Must remain within 4 miles of the registered address or gateway of the gated community.
The Liability Trap: If you are hit while driving a golf cart at night or outside the 4-mile radius, the insurance company may deny coverage.
2. Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs)
LSVs look like golf carts but are capable of speeds up to 25 mph. They must have headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and seatbelts.
- Key Difference: LSVs can be driven at night and are treated more like automobiles for insurance purposes.
Common Causes of “Ejection” Injuries
Unlike modern cars designed with “crumple zones” to absorb impact, golf carts are rigid. In a collision on Palm Boulevard or Main Road, the occupants are rarely protected.
The “Ejection” Factor: The most severe injuries we see are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and road rash which occur when passengers are thrown from the cart. This often happens due to:
- Sharp Turns: Carts have a high center of gravity and roll over easily.
- Lack of Seatbelts: Standard carts are not required to have restraints.
- Holding On: Passengers (especially children) often rely on flimsy hip restraints that fail during impact.
Who is Liable? (It’s Not Always the Driver)
Determining fault in a golf cart crash often involves looking beyond the driver.
- Negligent Entrustment (Parents): We often see cases where a parent allows an unlicensed 14-year-old to drive the cart to the pool. If that child causes an accident, the parents can be held liable for Negligent Entrustment.
- Vacation Rental Companies: If you rented a home on Kiawah or Folly Beach that included a golf cart, the property management company has a duty to maintain it. If the brakes fail or the steering locks up, the rental agency may be liable for your injuries.
- Dram Shop Liability (DUI): Golf carts and alcohol often mix. If a drunk driver hits you, we investigate where they were served. In South Carolina, a bar or restaurant that serves an intoxicated person who later causes a crash can be held responsible.
The Insurance “Gap”
One of the biggest challenges in these cases is finding coverage.
- Auto Policies: Standard car insurance often excludes golf carts unless a specific rider is added.
- Homeowners Policies: May cover the cart while it is on your property, but coverage often stops the moment you pull onto the public road.
At Bringardner Injury Law Firm, our first step is a thorough “Coverage Analysis.” We investigate every potential insurance policy, from the driver’s homeowners insurance to umbrella policies to ensure there is a source of recovery for your medical costs. Call our South Carolina personal injury attorneys for a free case evaluation* and see how we may be able to help your claim.
FAQ: Golf Cart Accidents in SC
Do I need a driver’s license to drive a golf cart in SC? Yes. You must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. Allowing an unlicensed child to drive is illegal and creates significant liability for the parents.
Can I get a DUI on a golf cart? Absolutely. South Carolina DUI laws apply to “motor vehicles,” which include golf carts. A conviction carries the same penalties as driving a car drunk, including license suspension.
What if I were a passenger in the cart? If the driver of your cart was negligent (speeding, taking a turn too fast), you can file a claim against their insurance. If another car hit you, you file against that driver.
Is there a helmet law for golf carts? No, South Carolina does not require helmets for golf cart passengers, but wearing one significantly reduces the risk of head trauma in the event of an ejection.
