MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) — A new law in South Carolina will change the way golf cart drivers drive with children.
Children under the age of 12 have to wear a seatbelt at all times, or drivers could face a citation.
“The popularity of golf carts being used as a mode of transportation, especially on these barrier islands and neighborhoods, made it important to address this,” said Sgt. Matt Storen with the Isle of Palms Police Department.
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The law has been in the works for a number of years, and due to the popularity of golf carts being used, it was time to address the rampant use of the carts, Storen said.
Chad Shores, co-owner of Rad Rydz, says he’s seen this as an issue for years.
“I see 12 year olds are out here all the time, loaded down with kids riding on the roofs and everything, and I’m just like the legislation needed to change,” Shores said.
Police departments across the Lowcountry are posting on social media about the new law, letting residents know how it will be enforced and what the parameters will be.
“We have officers patrolling. If we see a violation, we’re gonna stop right now.” Storen said, “We’re gonna educate and make sure that everybody’s aware of this new change.”
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Andrea Leary, the other co-owner of Rad Rydz, said there are major differences between golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs).
“A low-speed vehicle has to have a windshield, seatbelts already installed, a license plate and, most importantly, a VIN number,” Leary said. “We can install seatbelts on any golf cart.”
The seatbelt kits do not come cheap, according to Shores, and they run about $175 per row. For a standard golf cart, it could cost roughly $350.
Storen added that there are kits which can be bought online, but if you’re not comfortable, going to any golf cart dealer should be able to install the seatbelts.
