Educating Guests On Ocean Lakes’ Golf Car Policies and SC State Laws

We get it, you are on vacation, so taking the time to read the golf car policies does not always happen. However, by not reading them, you are putting you and your family at risk of receiving an Ocean Lakes fine or a ticket from SC Highway Patrol. Golf cars should never be driven on Highway 17 or Highway 544. Golf cars paths for privately-owned golf cars leaving the campground have been provided for guests to safely and legally cross Highway 17 and get to Ocean Lakes Village and other points of interest both north and south. Learn more by viewing Title 56 of the SC Code. 

We take our policies, as well as our guests’ and Teammates’ safety very seriously; therefore, it is crucial that everyone reads and abides by our golf car policies because actions will be taken against golf car violations.

Communication Is Key | Please know that we care greatly about our guests’ safety and try to be proactive about this. For years we have encouraged our privately-owned golf car owners to “be aware of South Carolina driving laws on public roads.” This is included in our magazine, website, pdf downloadable policies, newsletters, golf car trail blogs and promos, and more. In addition to our marketing communications, specific details about the SCDMV Registration and SC State Laws are included in Annual Lease Site Holder’s transfer packets and when guests register their private golf cars with Ocean Lakes Golf Cars.

Privately Owned Golf Car Registration | Annually, the owner of a personally owned golf car must register their golf car. The owner of the golf car must sign a copy of the Golf Car Rules. They must also provide Ocean Lakes Golf Cars with a copy of their Liability Insurance on the golf car from their insurance provider along with a valid Driver’s License. There is a $35 fee per registration sticker issued. All registration stickers expire annually on December 31^st.

Ocean Lakes Registration Requirements |

1.    The owner of the golf car must maintain a minimum of $50,000 Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Insurance on golf car and verify that their insurance covers all authorized drivers (family, friends, and renters).

2.    The golf car must have working light(s) permanently attached to the front of the car and working light(s) or reflectors on the rear of the car. Golf cars driven after sunset must have the lights turned on.

3.    NO gas-powered golf cars are permitted.

4.    Golf cars cannot be rented from outside sources/companies.

5.    Golf car registration stickers cannot be issued to any day visitors (the guest must be registered as an overnight guest or be an ALS holder).

6.    Annual Lease Site Holders: Annual Lease Site number must be attached to both the front and back of the car in reflective letters at least 3” high. The golf car must be registered to the annual lease site in the owners’ names and to no other site.

Rules, Rules, Rules | Many people criticize our policies and even say that we have too many. To that, we say: Yes, we do have a lot of policies in place, and each of those policies are in place for a reason. Keep in mind, we are a large campground and on any given day during the Summertime, there could be anywhere from 25,000 to 35,000 people in the campground. Imagine if we did not have policies in place! It helps to reduce the risk to your family and your property. We will always put the safety of our guests and Teammates first.

Let’s Go Over The Golf Car Policies |

1.    Under NO circumstances can golf cars be rented to other sites or other guests as a separate transaction.

2.    Operator(s) of golf car must be at least 16 years of age and have in their possession a VALID Driver’s License to operate a golf car anywhere in South Carolina. The licensed driver must be in complete control of the Golf Car at ALL times.

3.    Golf cars driven after sunset must have the lights turned on and cannot be operated during the quiet hours (11 PM – 7 AM) with no legitimate destination.

4.    Golf Cars must be operated properly at all times and driven on roadways. No reckless driving, racing or misuse of the Golf Car will be tolerated. Drivers must obey all traffic signs. Golf cars are not to be driven on campsites, beach, or restricted areas. All passengers must be safely seated on the golf car at all times.

5.    No loud, lewd, vulgar, or offensive music (or language). Please keep the volume level on radios, stereos, or other audio devices low so others are not disturbed, and only play music that is family friendly.

6.    No open containers of alcoholic beverages on your golf car (or in your possession anywhere, but your site). Please, for everyone’s safety, do not drink and drive.

7.    The Golf Car Owner is responsible for the operation of the golf car. The Golf Car Owner shall indemnify and hold Ocean Lakes Family Campground harmless from and against any and all liability, including bodily injury and property damage arising out of the use or operation of the equipment by the Golf Car Owner and anyone using or operating the same with the Golf Car Owner express or implied consent.

8.    ANNUAL LEASE HOLDERS: The golf car must be registered to your site. The site number must be attached to both the front and back of the golf car in reflective letters/numbers at least 3” high.

South Carolina State Laws | Rule #9 details SC Laws. Learn more by viewing Title 56 of the SC Code. 

9.    The rules for operating a personally owned golf car outside of Ocean Lakes Campground are as follows:

a.    The golf car must be registered with the SC DMV and attach the registration sticker on the front of the golf car.

b.    You may only drive during the daylight hours and within 4 miles of your home, business, or the campground.

c.    You can only drive on secondary roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.

d.    All drivers must be at least 16 years of age and have in their possession a VALID Driver’s License to operate a golf car anywhere in South Carolina.

10. Ocean Lakes Rental Golf Cars are NEVER allowed outside of the campground.

11. The Golf Car Registration Sticker/Decal cannot be duplicated or reproduced in any way. Doing so voids the decal and you may be removed from the park and/or jeopardize the Annual Lease Holder agreement.

Golf Car Violations will result in the following actions: This is a Zero Tolerance Policy |

Privately Owned – Campsite and Rental Guests:

First Offense - $100 Fine that must be paid immediately at the Main Office.

Second Offense - $100 Fine and guest loses the privilege to operate a golf car in the campground. The golf car must be placed on the guest’s trailer or stored in the Golf Car Storage Area.

Privately Owned – Annual Lease Site Holders:

First Offense - $100 Fine and will be levied against the Annual Lease Site and documented in the Site’s file. This fine must be paid immediately in the Main Office.

Second Offense - $100 Fine and will be levied against the Annual Lease Site and documented in the Site’s file. The Second Offense will result in the loss of privilege to have a golf car in the campground for one year. The golf car must be removed from the campground or stored in the Golf Car Storage Area.

Additional Offenses: If violations occur after the Second Offense, the lease could be in jeopardy.

Avoid A Ticket When Leaving The Campground - Take A Ride On The Trail | The Campground Access Trail provides guests with a privately-owned golf car easy and safe access to get across the street to Ocean Lakes Village (Wal-Mart, Duck Donuts, McDonalds, Walgreens, etc.). Remember, rental golf cars are NOT allowed to leave the property. When taking this route to leave the campground, remember, you must have a South Carolina Permit Sticker and a valid Driver’s License. Avoid driving on Highway 544 and Hwy 17 Business. We recommend crossing over Highway 17 Business at the Mayport Drive traffic light, north of Ocean Lakes.

Until Next Time | To put it simply - Stay safe and abide by our policies and South Carolina State Laws. Do not let your vacation be ruined by not following our policy and risk getting a fine in Ocean Lakes or a ticket on the highway by Highway Patrol or Horry County Police. Ocean Lakes is where memories are made that last a lifetime; let those memories be sweet and bring a smile to your face. After all, we are your happy place!