North Augusta council approves golf-cart ordinance amid legal-preemption concerns

The North Augusta City Council voted to approve Ordinance No. 2025-30 on second reading, establishing local rules for golf-cart operation including nighttime use.

Mayor (speaker 1) called the motion and the council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance as presented. City staff said the version before the council reflected guidance given during the study session and included no additional changes.

City Attorney Kelly Zier told the council his review and conversations with the bill sponsor and the Municipal Association indicate the state has largely preempted the field for equipment requirements on such vehicles. "The statute that the state passed, to me, makes it very clear that we are only given the option, to stipulate the hours, locations, and methods," Zier said, adding he did not find authority for municipalities to require additional equipment such as seat belts or turn signals. He cautioned that adding such requirements locally could lead to legal challenges the city would likely not win and recommended pursuing legislative change at the state level if council desired more stringent rules.

Council members asked about enforcement and age-related responsibilities. One councilor asked how officers would verify the age-based seat-belt requirement; staff responded that driver responsibility mirrors vehicle enforcement and that drivers could be cited under existing state rules when appropriate. Several councilors said they supported the ordinance as written while noting safety concerns about carts on busy roads and neighborhood crossings.

The ordinance was approved on second reading by a unanimous vote.

What happens next: The city attorney recommended the council work with state representatives to pursue any statewide changes if it wants equipment requirements beyond hours and locations; staff will proceed with implementing the ordinance as approved.