New golf cart/specialized vehicle safety rules takes effect Jan. 1st
Bluffton Town Council has approved a new ordinance regulating the use of golf carts and specialized vehicles, which includes low-speed vehicles and utility terrain vehicles, within Town limits, adopting several safety requirements that will take effect Jan. 1st, 2026.
“This ordinance is the result of listening to our residents,” Mayor Larry Toomer said. “At the public workshop in August, many residents made it clear they supported stronger safety measures, and the Town has a responsibility to lead by example. Our goal is simple: keep people safe while preserving the Bluffton culture we all love.”
Key provisions of the new law
Safety requirements
• All occupants —adults and children— must wear seat belts while the golf cart or specialized vehicle is in motion.
• Drivers must be at least 16 and hold a valid driver’s license.
Equipment
• All golf cart or specialized vehicles must have a rearview mirror.
• Golf cart and specialized vehicle operating before sunrise or after sunset must have headlights, taillights and turn signals.
• Golf cart and specialized vehicle must be registered with the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles, with decals displayed on the lower left windshield.
• Proof of liability insurance is required and must be present when operating specialized vehicles.
Where they may operate
• Golf cart and specialized vehicles are prohibited on streets with speed limits over 35 mph unless a designated lane is provided.
• Golf cart and specialized vehicles may not enter roundabouts or traffic circles.
• Golf cart and specialized vehicles are not permitted to travel along four-lane roads
• Golf cart and Specialized vehicles crossing four-lane roads is permitted only at traffic light intersections.
Penalties
Violations may carry fines of up to $500 or up to 30 days in jail.
New specialized vehicles and golf carts law education campaign begins in December
The Town is launching an education campaign to help residents prepare for the new law. The campaign will roll out in two phases, providing golf cart and specialized vehicle owners time to learn the requirements and make any needed upgrades.
Phase 1 — Education (December 2025): Outreach through social media, printed materials and communication with local golf cart dealers and repair shops.
Phase 2 — Enforcement (2026): After January 1, Bluffton Police Department will begin issuing citations while continuing education efforts.
How to prepare your golf cart/specialized vehicle:
Residents should confirm their golf cart/specialized vehicles meet the new requirements:
• Seat belts for all passengers
• Rearview mirror
• For nighttime use: working headlights, taillights and turn signals
• Current SCDMV registration with permit decal on windshield
• Proof of liability insurance
Residents are encouraged to confirm their golf cart/specialized vehicles meet all requirements, including seat belts, mirrors, lighting for nighttime use, current SCDMV registration and proof of insurance. Seat belt kits are available online or through local golf cart dealers and mechanics who can assist with installation.
Jurisdictional limits
The ordinance applies only within Bluffton town limits. Communities such as Alljoy and neighborhoods off Burnt Church Road, including Fern Lakes and Lake Linden, lie outside the town boundary; however, golf cart/specialized vehicles traveling on town-maintained roads in these areas must comply. Roads in unincorporated Beaufort County are not affected by the ordinance. More information about the new rules is available through the Town of Bluffton.
