Rental Kart Age Act, the official text

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

(A163, R130, S150)

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA RENTAL KART AGE ACT" BY AMENDING SECTION 41-18-30, RELATING TO APPLICABILITY AND EXCEPTIONS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA AMUSEMENT RIDES SAFETY CODE, SO AS TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS FOR PEOPLE OPERATING RENTAL KARTS, TO PROVIDE RENTAL KARTS OPERATED BY PEOPLE UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS AND ROLLOVER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, TO REVISE MANDATORY SIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 41-18-40, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES SAFETY CODE, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

Citation

SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Rental Kart Age Act."

Rental kart operation and safety requirements

SECTION 2. Section 41-18-30(D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(D) This chapter applies to concession go-karts. This chapter does not apply to rental karts, provided that:

(1) An individual is allowed to operate a rental kart only if they:

(a) are eighteen years of age or older; or

(b) are fifteen years of age or older and hold a valid driver's license or permit.

(2) No person shall operate a rental kart in any establishment where other amusement devices are located or operated. Establishments offering rental karts must not share an entrance or exit with any other establishment offering an amusement device and must charge a separate fee for operating rental karts.

(3) A sign shall be on display on the premises where rental karts are operated stating: "Rental karts are not amusement devices regulated by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Rental karts may not reach speeds in excess of fifty miles per hour. Drive at your own risk."

(4) The owner of a rental kart must carry an insurance policy in an amount not less than one million dollars per occurrence against liability for injury to persons or property arising out of the operation or use of such device.

(5) Rental karts operated by persons under eighteen years of age must be equipped with an occupant restraint system and a rollover protection system.

Definitions

SECTION 3. Section 41-18-40(15) and (16) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(15)(a) "Concession go-kart" means an amusement ride or device that:

(i) is a single vehicle, unattached to other vehicles or a common frame system;

(ii) is powered without connection to a common energy source;

(iii) is driver-controlled with respect to acceleration, speed, braking, and steering;

(iv) operates within the containment system of a defined track;

(v) simulates competitive motor sports; and

(vi) is used by members of the general public for a fee.

(b) A concession go-kart has a maximum capacity of two persons and no cargo capacity.

(16) "Rental kart" means an open-wheel motorsport vehicle, with or without gearbox or shifter capability, used for racing not in excess of fifty miles per hour. Rental kart does not mean "concession go-kart" as defined by this section.

Time effective

SECTION 4. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Ratified the 14th day of May, 2026.

Approved the 18th day of May, 2026.

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