Golf Cart Rules

Stay Safe & Have Fun Tootling Around Fripp

The best way to get around Fripp Island is in a golf cart. Many vacation rentals include one with your stay; if not, there are several good options for renting golf carts both on and off the island. We offer the following information to ensure you have safe and enjoyable island excursions as you tootle around Fripp.

Definitions
Usage
Registration
Unauthorized

Vehicle Definitions

Golf Cart: A gas or electric vehicle that is capable of traveling no more than 20 mph.

Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV): A gas or electric vehicle that is capable of traveling no more than 25 mph.

Unauthorized Vehicle: All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) or Off-Road Vehicles (Mules, Gators, Rangers, etc.). Any Golf Cart that has been modified to exceed 20 mph.

Vehicle Usage Rules & Regulations

All Golf Cart and LSV operators MUST have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance. THE FINE FOR DRIVING WITHOUT A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE ON FRIPP ISLAND IS $100.00.

It is the parent, guardian, or adult caretaker’s responsibility to ensure that all children are safely secured while traveling in a golf cart. Further, it is a violation of Fripp Island rules for a child to be transported on the lap of the golf cart operator.

See all Rules - Fripp Island POA

Rental golf carts and LSVs are NOT ALLOWED on GOLF COURSES, BEACHES or BIKE PATHS.

Use hand signals when turning or stopping.

Golf carts cannot be parked in fire lanes.

Electric golf carts require periodic charging. Be sure the golf cart has a good charge before leaving for an extended ride. When you sense that the cart is losing power (i.e. sluggish, slowing down), it needs charging. An overnight charge should last a couple of days of normal use.

Electric Golf Carts MUST NEVER BE TOWED without first flipping the TOW switch to the TOW position. The TOW switch is located under the golf cart seat near the batteries. Failure to put the golf cart in TOW mode may permanently damage the controller unit. You may be liable and charged for a new controller unit if the golf cart is towed with the TOW switch in a non-tow mode.

Be SURE to turn the headlight(s) OFF when not in use.

Note that the golf cart has forward, reverse and neutral gears. When in reverse, you should hear a beeping sound.

Please take the key out of the cart when not in use.

Please contact the owner or agent with any questions about the operation of the golf cart.

When in a parked position, please make sure the cart is in "Neutral" and that the brake pedal is pushed until it is in the "Locked" position (left-hand side of the brake pedal).

Do not stand on the golf cart and/or hang off the roof braces.

After heavy rainfalls, do not drive the golf cart through standing water since it will short out the power supply. If you must cross water, please go as slowly as possible so the undercarriage does not get wet. If you must cross a large/deeper pool of standing water, please let off the passengers and have them get back on on the other side of the pool of standing water.

The golf cart is not designed to endure rough terrain. Go SLOWLY over potholes and ripples in the roads.

If the golf cart headlights become inoperative, please be sure to carry a flashlight with you at night, so as to be seen by pedestrians and other drivers.

If the golf cart becomes inoperative, DO NOT try to make repairs yourself. Please contact the owner or agent immediately.

Vehicle Registration

All Golf Carts and LSVs must be registered and must display a current registration sticker that links the vehicle to the owner and the Fripp Island property if applicable. If you are in doubt about the validity of your registration sticker, please check with Fripp Island Security.

All owners, guests, and renters who transport a Golf Cart or LSV onto the island MUST register their Golf Cart or LSV within 24 hours of arrival. A Fripp Island citation accompanied by a fine of $200 will be levied for any Golf Cart or LSV found to be unregistered.

Golf Cart - The owner must bring the Golf Cart to the Fripp Island security office, complete a registration form, and pay a $100 annual registration fee. The following equipment must be verified as valid/operational:

  • Golf Cart Insurance
  • Head Lights
  • Tail Lights
  • Brake Lights
  • Rearview Mirror

    • Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) - The owner must bring the LSV to the Fripp Island security office, complete a registration form and pay a $100 annual registration fee. The following equipment must be verified as valid/operational:

  • Vehicle Insurance
  • Head Lights
  • Tail Lights
  • Brake Lights
  • Rearview Mirrior
  • Turn Signals
  • Parking Brake
  • Windshield
  • Seat Belts
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Reflex Reflectors*

    • Unauthorized Vehicle - This category of vehicles is not allowed on the island and therefore cannot be registered.

    *A device that allows an approaching driver to see you, by reflecting light from the lamps of the approaching vehicle.

    Unauthorized Vehicles
    Fripp Island limits certain vehicles operating on Fripp Island. These limitations apply to Fripp Island property owners, guests and renters who wish to transport Golf Carts, Golf Cart (LSVs) and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) onto the island.

    Use of Unauthorized Vehicles (other than those subject to exceptions or which have been previously registered with Fripp Island Security) is prohibited on Fripp Island. Operation of an Unauthorized Vehicle or any vehicle of this kind on the island will result in a Fripp Island citation accompanied by a fine of $300. THIS IS STRICTLY ENFORCED!