Golf cart rules in Ocean Isle Beach, Southport and Oak Island

Ocean Isle Beach, Southport and Oak Island are all easy to explore on four wheels, but each town sets its own rules for carts on public streets. The biggest surprise for visitors is that what counts as a legal cart in one town may not be legal in the next. Here is a quick guide to each, then a short checklist that applies everywhere.

Oak Island: street-legal low speed vehicles only

The Town of Oak Island does not allow standard, non-street-legal golf carts on public streets. To drive on town roads, the vehicle must be a registered low speed vehicle (LSV).

• It needs a North Carolina registration and license plate, a VIN and proof of insurance on board.
• It must have seat belts, head, tail, brake and turn lights, a horn, mirrors, a windshield with wipers and a speedometer.
• The driver needs a valid driver's license, and seat belt and child seat laws apply.
• LSVs may not use roads posted above 35 mph, though they may cross a 45 mph road at an intersection. They are not allowed on sidewalks.
• The town suggests quieter parallel streets such as Yacht Drive, Beach Drive and Ocean Drive instead of driving long stretches of Oak Island Drive.

Rent from a host who offers a street-legal LSV, and ask to see the plate and registration at pickup.

Southport: permitted carts on slower streets

Southport has its own golf cart ordinance. As published by the city, it works like this:

• Carts may use streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, with a top cart speed of 20 mph. They are not allowed on sidewalks or in city parks.
• Operators must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license.
• Carts must be inspected and registered with the city and display the sticker, and carry liability insurance.
• Required equipment includes headlights, tail and brake lights, turn signals, a rear-view mirror, a horn, reflectors, a parking brake, seat belts and a windshield.
• Everyone must stay seated while the cart moves.

A reputable host will have this handled. Ask whether the cart you are renting carries the current city registration.

Ocean Isle Beach: license required, minors should not drive

The Town of Ocean Isle Beach states that you must have a valid driver's license to operate a golf cart, and it asks residents to report minors driving carts. Other details, such as required equipment, rental permits and where carts can go, are set by town ordinance, so confirm them with your host or the town before you ride. Carts are generally not allowed on the beach strand itself.

What applies in all three towns

• Bring your driver's license and be ready to show it to the host.
• Keep to the slower local streets, and stay off sidewalks, dunes and the beach.
• Wear seat belts, keep everyone seated and respect the passenger limit.
• Never drive after drinking. Impaired driving laws apply to carts.
• Park legally, and ask your host about local parking rules near beach access points.

Rules change

Town ordinances are updated from time to time, and enforcement can change from season to season. This post is a general guide, not legal advice. Check the official website of the Town of Oak Island, the City of Southport and the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, or ask your host, before you ride.