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West Columbia staff to propose expanded golf‑cart operation hours and remove 4‑mile cap under state law
Summary
Michelle Dickerson previewed an ordinance for first reading to align local rules with May 2025 state legislation: allowing nighttime operation with lights and removing a local 4-mile limit while retaining the state 35-mph road-class restriction; council members raised safety concerns about multi‑lane roads.
City staff said they will present an ordinance at the next council meeting to update West Columbia's golf-cart regulations in light of state law changes adopted in May 2025.
Michelle Dickerson told council the draft would incorporate state requirements while adding local operational flexibility: nighttime operation would be allowed provided headlights and tail lights are used, and the existing local 4-mile mileage cap would be removed so long as operation remains limited to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less per state law.
Council members asked staff to confirm that crossing versus driving on four-lane primary roads remains restricted by state law; one council member said safety—not golf-cart drivers—was the principal concern because of collisions with motorists. Dickerson said the city cannot override the state's 35 mph/road-class limits and she will forward the draft to the City of Cayce to encourage regional consistency.
The ordinance was not yet before council for a vote; staff will present it for first reading at the next council meeting.
