BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – Berkeley County families, listen up: a new South Carolina law now requires children under the age of 12 to wear seatbelts when riding in golf carts on public roads. Whether you’re headed to the beach, the corner store, or just taking the scenic route through the neighborhood—if there are kids in the cart, buckling up is now the law.
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Signed on May 22, 2025, this legislation is aimed squarely at boosting safety and reducing injuries involving minors on golf carts, a growing concern in Berkeley County and across the state. Golf carts have surged in popularity in recent years, especially in suburban and coastal communities. But with that growth comes risk—especially when it involves children riding unsecured in traffic.
The law is part of a broader statewide initiative to tighten up golf cart regulations. In addition to the seatbelt mandate, it gives municipalities and counties like Berkeley County the authority to create their own local rules for golf cart use. That means what applies in Moncks Corner could be different from what’s enforced in Daniel Island or Goose Creek—so residents are encouraged to check their town’s specific ordinances.
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Violators of the new law could face fines or other penalties, though enforcement will initially focus on education. Parents, guardians, and golf cart drivers are encouraged to make sure all young passengers are safely buckled in before hitting the road.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office says deputies will work with the community to spread awareness and ensure families understand what’s required before they get pulled over.
So if you’re behind the wheel of a golf cart in Berkeley County, remember: kids under 12 need to be buckled up—no exceptions. It’s not just about avoiding a ticket. It’s about keeping your youngest passengers safe.
