Columbia, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Columbia City Council is preparing to discuss regulations regarding the use of golf carts after safety concerns have escalated due to increased cart usage. Councilman Peter Brown highlighted significant community anxiety over safety issues linked to this trend. The council’s public safety committee will explore the current lack of regulations and previously considered an ordinance banning for-hire golf cart taxis. The effort aims to balance public safety with residents’ wishes to use personal golf carts.
Columbia City Council is set to initiate discussions on regulations regarding the use of golf carts in response to rising safety concerns prompted by increasing cart usage throughout the city. City Councilman Peter Brown reported a significant uptick in golf cart operations, leading to numerous calls from residents expressing their concerns over safety issues associated with this trend.
The city’s public safety committee will review the current situation, which Brown described as lacking clear regulations or a set policy governing golf cart usage. Previously, the council had considered a draft ordinance aimed at banning for-hire “golf cart taxis,” which are popular during events at Williams-Brice Stadium, particularly on game days. This ordinance also proposed restrictions on the use of personal golf carts, primarily in response to public safety apprehensions regarding unregulated operation.
Historically, discussions on golf cart regulations were postponed, but the Columbia City Council is now prioritizing a review process to address these concerns. Brown stated that the goal of this initiative is to conduct a “common-sense review” of the current rules while actively seeking input from residents. This effort is aimed at striking a careful balance between ensuring public safety and respecting the desires of residents who wish to continue using their personal golf carts.
The current step in the regulatory process is termed the “awareness phase,” wherein city officials focus on gathering insights from the community before rolling out any new regulations. Any proposed rules will also need to adhere to existing state and county laws that govern golf cart usage. According to South Carolina state law, golf carts are required to be insured, permitted, and registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Furthermore, these carts are permitted to operate on state roads with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less.
Additionally, the regulatory landscape is complicated by the fact that parts of the area surrounding Williams-Brice Stadium lie within unincorporated Richland County. This geographical consideration may influence the decisions made regarding golf cart regulations in Columbia.
City leaders have not yet scheduled a specific date and time for the upcoming meeting where these golf cart regulations will be discussed. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and informed as this issue progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Columbia City Council discussing golf cart regulations?
The Columbia City Council is set to initiate discussions on regulations regarding the use of golf carts in response to rising safety concerns prompted by increasing cart usage throughout the city.
What prompted the need for golf cart regulations?
City Councilman Peter Brown reported a significant uptick in golf cart operations, leading to numerous calls from residents expressing their concerns over safety issues associated with this trend.
What changes are being considered in the draft ordinance?
The council had previously considered a draft ordinance aimed at banning for-hire “golf cart taxis,” which are popular during events at Williams-Brice Stadium, particularly on game days. This ordinance also proposed restrictions on the use of personal golf carts.
What is the awareness phase in the regulatory process?
The current step in the regulatory process is termed the “awareness phase,” wherein city officials focus on gathering insights from the community before rolling out any new regulations.
What does South Carolina state law require for golf carts?
According to South Carolina state law, golf carts are required to be insured, permitted, and registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Furthermore, these carts are permitted to operate on state roads with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less.
Key Features of Columbia City Golf Cart Regulation Discussions
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Current Situation | Increase in golf cart usage has raised public safety concerns. |
| Public Safety Committee | Initiating discussions on regulations. |
| Draft Ordinance | Considered banning for-hire golf cart taxis and proposing personal use restrictions. |
| Awareness Phase | Gathering community insights before establishing new rules. |
| State Requirements | Golf carts must be insured, permitted, and registered, and can operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. |
| Geographical Considerations | Some areas are within unincorporated Richland County, affecting regulatory decisions. |
| Future Discussions | No specific date or time announced for upcoming meetings. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Swansea Community in Mourning After Golf Cart Tragedy
Fatal Golf Cart Incident Shakes Lexington County Community
Additional Resources
- The State: Columbia City Council Discusses Golf Cart Regulations
- WIS TV: New State Golf Cart Law Officially in Effect
- ABC Columbia: SC Bill Mandates Seatbelts on Golf Carts for Children
- WJBF: Golf Cart Safety and Regulations
- Google Search: Golf Cart Regulations
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