CAYCE — With more golf carts taking to the streets of Cayce, leaders here are hoping new regulations could increase the safety of those who use the low-speed vehicles.
Specifically, a proposed ordinance would set standards for who can operate a golf cart in Cayce’s city limits, where and when they can be driven, plus other safety requirements.
City Council is set to take a final vote that would approve the new regulations at a special meeting on June 11.
City Councilmember Byron Thomas said Cayce is working to become more walkable, while providing more freedom for people who use golf carts.
“But safety is a huge concern,” Thomas said at a meeting on June 2. “And we always need to make sure people stay safe on the road.”
Who would be able to drive a golf cart?
Under the proposed regulations, golf cart operators must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Drivers must also carry proof of insurance and registration, plus display a valid South Carolina DMV registration sticker on the golf cart.
Where and when could they be driven?
The most recent version of the proposal would only permit the golf carts on secondary streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. The secondary roads specification was added to the proposal after the first reading because of a suggestion from Cayce Police Chief Bruce Wade. Initially, the proposed ordinance would’ve allowed the carts to be operated on any road with a 35 mph speed limit or lower.
This added distinction is important because roads like central Cayce thoroughfare Knox Abbot Drive have speed limits of 35 mph, but are considered primary roads. Primary roads are often part of major routes and tend to see higher volumes of traffic than secondary roads.
Under this restriction, people would still be able to cross intersections where speed limits are higher.
Permitted driving hours on public streets and highways would be between 6 a.m. and midnight, the proposal says. People who want to use golf carts on streets before sunrise or after sunset — during the allowed hours — would need to ensure the carts are equipped with functioning headlights and taillights, according to a memo from Cayce City Manager Michael Conley.
Chief Wade said statistics show that most DUIs occur from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. on weekends. But in Cayce, more people tend to drive under the influence between midnight and 6 a.m., likely because the city is in a metropolitan area, he said.
“I think our thought was — and when we discussed it as a staff — it’s really safety for the golf cart at 12 to 6 in the morning,” Conley said. “Bad things could happen. It’s really safety for them more so than the golf cart doing something wrong.”
Are there other new rules?
Passengers under the age of 12 must wear a fastened safety belt while the carts are being used on public streets and highways. Seatbelt restrictions are not noted for people older than 12.
Golf cart operators would also have a little more freedom the areas of the city where they can drive the low-speed vehicles.
The proposal allows people to drive a golf cart within the city limits beyond four miles from address listed on the registration certificate. However, this is only if the cart is being used in compliance with all other restrictions.
This is different from a state law, which requires golf carts remain within four miles of the address included on registration certificates. But local municipalities have the option to stipulate different guidelines in their jurisdictions.
In his memo, Conley said these proposed rules offer several benefits to the city, including improved public safety, clearer enforcement authority for police officers and increased transportation flexibility for residents.
“Staff believe the ordinance strikes an appropriate balance between convenience and safety by allowing responsible golf cart operation while establishing reasonable safeguards for residents, pedestrians and motorists,” Conley said.
Violators of the ordinance would be guilty of a misdemeanor and could be fined $500, receive up to 30 days in jail, or both.