ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. — The annual Isle of Palms golf cart parade, a beloved tradition that draws hundreds of people every year, will look a little different this year due to the enforcement of a new state law. The parade will begin at 10 a.m., and IOP Police have announced that they will be strictly enforcing the new golf cart laws on the day of the event.
New Golf Cart Regulations
Under the new law, golf cart drivers must comply with several safety requirements:
Valid driver’s license
Registration
Permit
Insurance
Additionally, a new South Carolina law passed this year mandates that children under 12 must be wearing a seat belt when riding in a golf cart.
Sgt. Matt Storen of the Isle of Palms Police Department emphasized that police would be checking for safety issues, including whether children are properly seated and strapped down. “These rules are the same as driving a motor vehicle,” Storen said.
Golf Cart Inspections Before the Parade
To ensure compliance with the state law, Isle of Palms police will inspect all golf carts at the beginning of the parade. If your golf cart does not have seatbelts installed, police recommend taking steps to address the issue ahead of time. “You can reach out to a golf cart dealer or even find seatbelts on Amazon,” said Storen. “But just know, if you don’t meet the requirements, you’ll be turned away.”
Parade Tips and Guidelines
The Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the parade, advises participants to arrive early due to the large turnout. Zach Lary, Vice President of the Chamber, recommends showing up at 9:15 or 9:30 a.m. to get a good spot, as hundreds of golf carts will be lining up.
Lary also reminded attendees that water balloons are prohibited, prioritizing safety first. “Get your golf cart decorated and ready to have fun,” he said.
Traffic and Safety After the Parade
Once the parade concludes, public safety officials will be on-site to help direct traffic and ensure the safety of all participants.
The Isle of Palms Golf Cart Parade promises to be a fun and festive event, but participants are reminded to comply with the new state laws to ensure everyone’s safety. It’s a great opportunity for the community to come together, but preparation is key!
