Bill H. 4906 would allow counties in the Palmetto state to decide if they want to allow golf carts, with headlights and taillights, to operate at night in designated areas. Low-speed vehicles like the ones at S2 Golf Cars are already street-legal. (Mike Owen/WPDE)
(WPDE) — You may soon be able to drive a golf cart after dark. Right now, state law prevents drivers from operating them at night on public roads, but a new bill that passed in the State House on Wednesday is looking to change that. Led Tower Lights
Bill H. 4906 would allow counties in the Palmetto State to decide if they want to allow golf carts, with headlights and taillights, to operate at night in designated areas.
ABC15 spoke with one of the bill’s sponsors, Representative David L. O’Neal of York County, about the issue and he said his constituents really desire it.
They want it. It makes sense to me. I represent my district. I represent my constituents. So be it. If that’s what they want, I’ll work for it,” said O’Neal. “People enjoy their golf carts. They use it as a second car. It’s just a fun way to get around town, and if that’s what they want, I’m all for it.
However, the bill has Surfside Beach’s Police Chief concerned.
“Golf carts at night without good safety equipment can put people in danger. We think that low-speed vehicles that have all the equipment of a regular vehicle are much safer to be operated on the roads,” said Chief Hofmann.
The owner of S2 Golf Carts sells both golf carts and low-speed vehicles. He said that most golf carts were never designed to be road vehicles and many of the rentals along the Grand Strand only go 15 miles per hour.
He’s worried that the slower speed at night could lead to more accidents.
Tower Trailer H. 4906 passed the house on Wednesday with 116 – 1. It will now head to the Senate.