Tidelines

Do you know… our traffic rules apply to pedestrians, bicycles, all motorized vehicles (including LSVs), and even skateboards?

We are a “share the road” community. Our meandering island roads are beautiful and are generally wide enough for two-way traffic. It is a little different when there are walkers, runners, and cyclers on the road. SIPOA has rules that will keep everyone safe:

• Bicycles and tricycles have the right-of-way at all traffic islands.

• Bicycle riders must ride single file, going with the traffic, stop at stop signs, and obey other applicable traffic rules.

• Only class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted and must be registered with SIPOA Administration and display a SIPOA bicycle decal. All other e-bikes are prohibited.

• Bicycles may not be ridden after dark unless equipped with lights and reflectors and may not be ridden on boardwalks at any time.

• All cyclists are encouraged to wear helmets when riding.

• Pedestrians and joggers must walk or run facing traffic and have the right-of-way over all vehicles.

• Vehicles must not pass bicycles and tricycles at traffic islands and must maintain a safe distance behind bicycles and tricycles at all times.

• Vehicles may not use the oncoming lane of a traffic island in order to get around slower moving vehicles, bicyclists, joggers, or walkers.

• Vehicles may not pass each other on Seabrook Island roads.

• All children in motor vehicles (including LSV/NEVs) must be properly secured in child passenger safety seats or restraints per SC State Law Article 47.

• Roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, and non-motorized scooters may be used on Seabrook Island roads. Their use is restricted to daylight hours, traveling in a single file, and facing oncoming traffic.

• Motorcycles, motorized scooters, mopeds, go-karts, motorized skateboards or similar motorized vehicles are not permitted on Seabrook Island unless authorized by SIPOA.

• Golf carts are not permitted on SIPOA roads, paths, or boardwalks except when crossing the road at signed golf cart crossing areas.

These are taken from SIPOA Rules and Regulations, Section III. D.1-5. Updates are approved by the SIPOA Safety and Security Committee.

Property owners should share this information with visitors and rental guests.

To review the entire series, go to tidelinesblog.com and click “Do You Know” at the top of the page.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Shutterstock.com)

Updated June 2026

Do you know… the speed limit changes at two different places on the island? 

There is a collective effort to maintain the natural beauty of Seabrook Island. Unfortunately, that means we have some roadways with heavy vegetation and shade and others with bright sunlight. This, coupled with the many walkers, runners, and cyclers, leads to some issues when driving on our roads.

In order to keep our roads safe, SIPOA has established the following rules for driving on the island:

• The speed limit is 25 mph except near the gate and in the area of the Island House, where it is 15 mph. The 15 mph limit is in proximity to the Island House and stretches from the Beach Club Villas to the Atrium Villas.
  
• You may not pass a moving vehicle unless invited to do so by the driver of the slower-moving vehicle.
  
• Vehicles must not pass bicycles and tricycles at traffic islands and must maintain a safe distance behind bicycles and tricycles at traffic islands.
  
• You may not use the oncoming lane at a traffic island or the grass to get around slower moving vehicles, bicyclists, joggers or walkers.
  
• You must come to a full stop at stop signs.
  
• Every driver signaled to stop for a security officer or public service provider on Seabrook Island must produce, upon request, a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration.
  
• The operation of motorcycles, motorized scooters, mopeds, go-carts, motorized skateboards or similar motorized vehicles (with the exception of Class 1 pedal assist bicycles/tricycles) is prohibited unless authorized by SIPOA for special purposes or events on a case-by-case basis.
  
• Golf-carts are not permitted on SIPOA roads, bicycle paths or boardwalks, except when crossing the road while playing golf.

These are taken from SIPOA Rules and Regulations, Section III. D. 1 and 2.

Property owners should share this information with visitors and rental guests.

To review this entire series, go to tidelinesblog.com and click “Do You Know” at the top of the page.

–Tidelines Editors

Updated June 2026