All Roll Calls
Yes: 257 • No: 101
South CarolinaS 0222126th General Assembly (2025-2026)SenateWALLET
AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 2, TITLE 56 SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "UTILITY TERRAIN VEHICLE (UTV)" AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGISTRATION AND OPERATION OF UTV'S ON THE HIGHWAYS AND STREETS OF THE STATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "OFF-ROAD USE ONLY"; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-77-30, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE" TO INCLUDE CERTAIN UTV'S; BY ADDING SECTION 56-2-5140 SO AS TO PROVIDE FARMERS HOLDING SCATE CARDS AND DRIVER'S LICENSES MAY OPERATE CERTAIN UTV'S WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-630, RELATING TO PRIVATE PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO CLASSIFY UTV'S AS PRIVATE PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-2-90, RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS, SO AS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN MINOR PASSENGERS FROM WEARING SAFETY BELTS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS DURING CERTAIN ATHLETIC EVENTS.
Sponsored By: Russell L. Ott (Democrat)
Signed by Governor
Summary
Utility terrain vehicle
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.
Liability limits for UTV dealers
Beginning 2026-11-18, UTV dealers and their employees are not liable for damages from road operation of a UTV that was not designed for public roads. Manufacturers are not liable unless a defect existed when the product left their control and caused the damages.
Farmers get nearby UTV freedom
Beginning 2026-11-18, a farmer with a valid SCATE card and a driver’s license may operate a UTV or similar vehicle with a top speed under 55 mph within 10 miles of the farm, without the usual road limits. This exception applies only within that ten‑mile area.
How to register and title UTVs
Beginning 2026-11-18, the law defines what counts as a UTV. The DMV does not register or renew a UTV unless a title exists or a title application is filed. If the manufacturer’s papers say the vehicle was not built for public roads, the title is branded “Off Road Use Only,” and the DMV may require a bill of sale. UTVs driven on public roads must be registered like passenger cars and display a rear plate. Owners who use a UTV on public roads must renew registration every two years. Vehicles branded “Off Road Use Only” are not registered for road use unless this article allows it.
Insurance and vehicle class for UTVs
Starting 2026-11-18, if you register a UTV for road use, insurers treat it as a private passenger car for coverage. The DMV also classifies qualifying UTVs as private passenger motor vehicles for registration. This can change your insurance options and costs.
New road rules for UTV drivers
Beginning 2026-11-18, you must be at least 17 with a full driver’s license to drive a UTV on public highways, and you must carry your license, the UTV’s registration certificate, and proof of liability insurance. Beginner, moped, provisional, route‑restricted, motorcycle‑only, and temporary alcohol licenses do not qualify. No passenger under age 8 may ride, and anyone under 21 must wear the protective gear state law lists. Everyone must wear a fastened seat belt, and the UTV must have seat belts at each seat plus working headlights, brake lights, taillights, and turn signals. You may use only roads posted 55 mph or less within 10 miles of your registration address (or a gated‑community entrance), may cross faster roads at intersections, and you may not use interstates. DOT and local governments can limit routes and hours; a city or county may allow night use. Local governments may not require proof of property ownership to issue a local UTV decal.
Safer golf carts and event access
Effective 2026-05-18, every child under 12 riding in a golf cart on public streets must wear a fastened seat belt. This does not apply to golf course‑owned carts used while playing on that course. Golf carts may operate within one‑half mile of certain large sports events from three hours before until one hour after, if police control traffic. At night, the cart must have working headlights and taillights.
UTV taxes, $10 fee, property break
Beginning 2026-11-18, UTV purchases are subject to South Carolina sales tax. To use a UTV on public roads, you pay $10 every two years; $2 funds plates, $4 goes to the State Highway Fund, and $4 goes to the Transportation Infrastructure Bank. Registered electric, hydrogen, and other non‑motor‑fuel UTVs must pay existing road‑use fees. Owners of registered UTVs are exempt from county property taxes on those UTVs. Cities and counties cannot add extra operation taxes or fees, and UTVs are exempt from Section 56‑3‑627.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Russell L. Ott
Democrat • Senate
Cosponsors
Everett Stubbs
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/13/2026
(Utility terrain vehicle)to adopt amendment
Yes: 29 • No: 14
Senate vote • 5/13/2026
(Utility terrain vehicle)to adopt Amendment number RFH-1
Yes: 19 • No: 24
Senate vote • 5/13/2026
(Utility terrain vehicle)to concur
Yes: 26 • No: 18
House vote • 5/12/2026
(Utility terrain vehicle)Passage of Bill
Yes: 109 • No: 3
Senate vote • 5/5/2026
(Utility terrain vehicle)3rd Reading
Yes: 30 • No: 14
Senate vote • 4/16/2026
(Utility terrain vehicle)to adopt amendment 1B
Yes: 22 • No: 14
Senate vote • 4/16/2026
(Utility terrain vehicle)to adopt amendment 1B
Yes: 22 • No: 14
Actions Timeline
Effective date 11/18/26
6/5/2026legislatureAct No. 164
6/2/2026legislatureSigned By Governor
5/18/2026GovernorRatified R 133
5/14/2026legislatureRoll call Ayes-26 Nays-18
5/13/2026SenateConcurred in House amendment and enrolled
5/13/2026SenateRead third time and returned to Senate with amendments
5/13/2026HouseRoll call Yeas-109 Nays-3
5/12/2026HouseRead second time
5/12/2026HouseAmended
5/12/2026HouseScrivener's error corrected
5/7/2026legislatureDebate adjourned
5/7/2026HouseRecalled from Committee on Education and Public Works
5/6/2026HouseReferred to Committee on Education and Public Works
5/6/2026HouseIntroduced and read first time
5/6/2026HouseRoll call Ayes-30 Nays-14
5/5/2026SenateRead third time and sent to House
5/5/2026SenateAmended
5/5/2026SenateAmended
4/29/2026SenateRead second time
4/16/2026SenateAmended
4/16/2026SenateCommittee Amendment Adopted
4/16/2026SenateCommittee report: Favorable with amendment Transportation
3/4/2026SenateReferred to Committee on Transportation
1/15/2025SenateIntroduced and read first time
1/15/2025Senate
Bill Text
Introduced
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