Committee approves rental-cart safety bill allowing limited operation by 15-year-olds with license or permit

Representative Smith presented SB 150, described as the "South Carolina rental cart act," to amend amusement-ride safety code provisions and exempt certain rental carts from LLR regulation. The bill defines a rental cart as an open-wheel motorsport vehicle used for racing over 40 miles per hour and not limited to operating within a track containment system; it changes the maximum specified speed language to "not in excess of 50 miles per hour."

The measure would allow individuals aged 18 and older, and those aged 15 and older with a valid driver's license or permit, to operate a rental cart as defined in the bill. Representative Smith told members the bill requires that carts operated by people under 18 have restraint systems and rollover protection. "The bill requires carts operated by people under the age of 18 to have restraint systems and rollover protection," Smith said in committee.

Members sought clarification about whether the 15-year-old allowance applies only when the operator holds a license or permit; Representative Smith confirmed the provision was intentionally added and vetted in subcommittee. On speed, Smith clarified the bill still treats rental carts as higher-speed motorsport vehicles while explicitly capping cart speed in the amended language. After clarification and brief discussion, the committee gave SB 150 a favorable report and will send it to the floor.

Next steps: SB 150 proceeds to the floor for further consideration; floor debate and any amendments there will determine final law. Local racetrack operators and event organizers could be directly affected; safety-equipment requirements remain part of the bill’s text as presented to the committee.