As some residents ask for extended hours, others worry that allowing golf carts after dark could make already busy roads more dangerous.
In North Myrtle Beach, golf carts are part of the coastal routine. They move families to the beach, carry coolers and towels, and make short trips feel like part of the vacation. But a new question is now in front of city leaders: should those carts be allowed to operate after dark?
The issue surfaced during public comment at a recent City Council meeting, prompting the city and police department to begin looking into possible changes. Current rules limit golf cart operation to the hours between sunrise and sunset. Some residents want that window extended, but others are warning that nighttime cart traffic could create safety problems.
The debate is not the same as the one surrounding low-speed vehicles, or LSVs. LSVs are built to a higher standard and are allowed to drive at night. They typically come with turn signals, seat belts and other safety features. Traditional golf carts, however, often lack those features and usually travel slower.
Longtime North Myrtle Beach resident William Graham said visibility is his biggest concern.
“Whenever you don’t have lights, people can’t see you,” Graham said. “There could be other people driving their trucks or their cars, and they can hit somebody. There could be serious injuries.”
Graham said traffic is already heavy in North Myrtle Beach, especially during peak seasons, and adding nighttime golf carts could make things worse. He said he might feel differently if carts had lights and turn signals, but without that equipment, he believes extended hours are a bad idea.
Rick McCabe, an employee at A-Jax Golf Cart Rentals, shared similar concerns. He said carts might be manageable on quiet back roads, but not on major routes.
“If they’re just on the back roads, no problem,” McCabe said. “But if they’re going to be on the boulevard — huge problem.”
McCabe noted that traditional golf carts generally travel around 17 mph, while LSVs can reach about 25 mph. That speed difference matters when carts mix with cars, trucks and tourist traffic.
Frequent visitor Tylik Gause said he believes golf carts should stay off most roads at night altogether because they are not fast enough to operate safely alongside regular vehicles.
The city has not made a decision. Officials said they are reviewing the idea, which suggests the conversation may continue as more residents weigh in.
North Myrtle Beach is not alone. Across South Carolina, communities are rethinking golf cart hours after state law changes gave municipalities more flexibility to set their own rules. Some towns are considering later hours for carts equipped with lights, while others remain cautious.
The challenge is that golf carts serve two identities. In daylight, they feel like harmless beach transportation. At night, on crowded roads, without proper lighting or signals, they can become difficult to see and slow to react.
Supporters of expanded hours may argue that residents and visitors already use carts heavily and that the rules should reflect real life. Opponents counter that convenience should not outweigh visibility, speed and safety.
For now, North Myrtle Beach is still in the listening phase. But the debate shows how much golf carts have become part of coastal life. Once a vehicle is popular enough, a city eventually has to decide not just whether it belongs, but when.
