With summer over, golf cart & parking laws have changed in Myrtle Beach area. What to know

If you think Myrtle Beach area laws are stricter in the summer than in the off-season, you would be right.

And while things generally shift when the throngs of tourists leave the area, it doesn't mean that there aren't laws that you still need to follow for the beach and at many of the coastal cites.

Some violations of these ordinances could cost a hefty fine or even jail time.

Here's a few you need to know.

Free parking

Beginning Nov. 1, you can park for free in Surfside Beach and North Myrtle Beach.

All parking locations in North Myrtle Beach are free from November through February. After that, parking is paid from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March through September.

In Surfside Beach, parking is free beginning Nov. 1 through February. Paid parking begins on March 1 through Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Myrtle Beach has year-round paid parking from 9 a.m. to midnight daily.

When you can drive a golf cart?

As Daylight Savings Time began on Nov. 3 and the days grew shorter, it's a good reminder to drivers that there are laws regarding when they can operate a golf cart.

According to South Carolina law, golf carts can only been driven during daylight hours and only four miles from the address on the registration certificate. In addition, golf carts can only be driven on roads in which the speed limit is 35 mph or less.

Daylight hours means after 6 a.m. and no later than 6 p.m.

However, when daylight saving time ends, the time shifts from after 6 a.m. and no later than 8 p.m.

Golf carts are allowed on Horry County beaches from Nov. 1 through Feb. 28. However, you must have a valid state permit and they have to be driven by a licensed driver.

Cruising Ocean Boulevard

Myrtle Beach prohibits cruising from 2 to 6 a.m. from May 1 through Labor Day. But after that, drivers are free to travel the boulevard as much as they want.

Cruising is defined by the city ordinance as "driving a motor vehicle, or causing or allowing a motor vehicle to be driven, past a traffic control point between 3rd Avenue South and 21st Avenue North on Ocean Boulevard two or more times in any two-hour period between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. during the period from May 1 through Labor Day of each year."

Dogs on the beach

There's no restriction on what time of day dogs are allowed on the beach after Labor Day through April 30 in the city of Myrtle Beach .

In North Myrtle Beach , there is no time restriction for dogs from Labor Day through May 15.

During the summer season, dogs are not permitted on the beach during certain times of the day in both cities.

While your pooch must still be on a leash, and you must pick up and dispose of their droppings, your pet can enjoy a romp in the sand or water any time.

On the Myrtle Beach boardwalk

Bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk anytime after Labor Day through April 30. After April, they are only allowed from 5 to 10 a.m.

That goes for dogs as well.

What umbrella can you use?

There is always the question of kind of umbrella is allowed on area beaches, especially when it comes to the popular Shibumi Shade .

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, only circular umbrellas, up to 7 1/2 feet in diameter are allowed in the city of Myrtle Beach

But after Labor Day, tents and shading devices are allowed on the beach in both Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. However, there still are guidelines for what size.

Year round curfew

If you're under the age of 18, the city of Myrtle Beach has a year-round curfew between midnight and 6 a.m.

That means a minor can't be in a public place during the curfew hours.

Catching a wave

In North Myrtle Beach, it's against the law for any person to ride a surfboard or skimboard on the public beach or any waters near between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from May 15 through Labor Day except in designated areas.

However, after Labor Day, the ocean is open to any surfer, anytime.