DUI on a Golf Cart, Moped or Bike in Myrtle Beach

Golf carts

Golf carts are everywhere on the Grand Strand, and they're self-propelled, so driving one impaired on a public road can be charged as a DUI with the same penalties as a car. To drive a golf cart on a public road in South Carolina:

• the owner needs a DMV permit decal and registration, plus proof of liability insurance (S.C. Code § 56-2-90(A));
• the driver must be at least 16 and hold a valid driver's license (S.C. Code § 56-2-90(B));
• carts are limited to roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less, and, unless a local ordinance allows otherwise, to daylight hours (S.C. Code § 56-2-90(C)-(D)).

Because a valid license is required, a DUI license suspension also takes the golf cart off the table. Cities can set their own golf cart rules, so check local ordinances where you're staying.

Low-speed vehicles, the street-legal carts that go 20 to 25 mph, are motor vehicles too (S.C. Code § 56-1-10(19)).

Mopeds and scooters

South Carolina's definition of a moped says it outright: a moped is "a cycle, defined as a motor vehicle" (S.C. Code § 56-1-10(26)). A moped DUI is a regular DUI, with the same penalties, the same breath testing and the same license suspension rules (S.C. Code § 56-5-2951).

Bicycles and e-bikes

South Carolina's definition of a "vehicle" leaves out devices moved by human power (S.C. Code § 56-1-10(28)), and the DUI statute is written for motor vehicles. A cyclist still has to follow the rules of the road that apply to drivers (S.C. Code § 56-5-3420), so riding impaired can still get you stopped and charged with something else.

Electric bikes are a gray area. South Carolina defines electric-assist bicycles separately (S.C. Code § 56-1-10(29)), and how a particular e-bike or electric scooter is classified can matter. If you were charged while on one, have a local DUI attorney look at exactly what the ticket says.

What applies the same as a car

• The penalties. Fines, jail, ADSAP and ignition interlock depend on the offense number and alcohol level, not the vehicle. See South Carolina DUI penalties.
• The 30-day license deadline. If you refused testing or tested .15 or higher, you have 30 days to request a hearing. Calculate your deadline.
• The video rule. The stop, any field sobriety tests and the arrest must be recorded (S.C. Code § 56-5-2953).
• Your home state finds out. A conviction is reported through the Driver License Compact (S.C. Code § 56-1-640). More: DUI on vacation in Myrtle Beach.

Frequently asked questions

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