North Augusta council approves first reading of golf‑cart ordinance amid questions over state preemption

North Augusta — The City Council on Dec. 1 approved Ordinance 2025‑30 on first reading to update rules governing golf‑cart operation, including provisions for nighttime use and required lighting and reflectors.

Council members heard staff say the ordinance before them is unchanged since a prior study session and includes elements that must remain as written under South Carolina law. Staff told the council that those statutory provisions limit what the city can change and that some equipment requirements (for example, adding mandatory turn signals) may be preempted by state law. Councilmembers discussed whether the city could adopt stricter rules — such as adding turn signals or adjusting the seat‑belt age requirement — and were told the proper course would be a future amendment only if legal review supports it.

A citizen commenter noted the city’s limited ability to ban golf carts entirely under state statute and urged attention to hours and safety if injuries occur. City staff summarized the ordinance’s operational limits: golf carts allowed on paved roadways and public parks or pedestrian malls unless otherwise signed, not permitted on sidewalks, bike paths, greenways or unpaved trails, and prohibited on private property without owner permission. The draft also limits nighttime operation to periods specified in the ordinance when carts have working headlights and taillights.

After brief council discussion and no public opposition voiced during the meeting, the council voted to approve the ordinance on first reading; the vote was recorded as unanimous.

The ordinance will return to the council for further action. City staff said legal review will guide any proposed additions such as a requirement for turn signals or a different seat‑belt age; the council may consider amendments later if the city attorney confirms such changes are permissible.