Street-legal rules

Street-legal golf cart rules on the Carolina coast

Which Carolina coast towns allow street-legal golf carts, LSV plates, and what speed limits apply — town by town.

What makes a cart 'street-legal' in NC and SC?

A street-legal cart is a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) — registered, insured, and equipped with seat belts, turn signals, headlights, brake lights and a VIN. Non-LSV carts are neighborhood-only.

Do I need a driver's license?

Yes. Every renter on Cruise & Scoot must have a valid driver's license and complete ID verification before pickup. Passengers don't need one.

What's the top speed limit for a street-legal cart?

35 mph in most Carolina coast towns. LSV carts can legally drive on any public road with a posted speed limit at or below 35 mph. They cannot use highways or bypasses (e.g. US-158 on the OBX).

What about Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach?

Ocean Blvd in the main Myrtle Beach city stretch is off-limits to carts and enforced. Cherry Grove and other North Myrtle neighborhoods are cart-legal — check your listing's compliance badge.