Has anyone ever taken a shopping cart from Walmart, Target, or Costco because it was easier? Perhaps you are nearby and didn’t intend to do anything. But what you might not know is this small habit can cost you dearly, potentially up to $2,500 in fines in some U.S. cities.
That’s right. In California, Florida, and Texas, taking a cart off store property—unsolicited—is against the law. Some cities are now cracking down big-time, and people are getting fined big bucks.
Why is this more of a problem now?
The cart theft problem has existed but is growing worse. For store owners, stolen carts cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Store owners also lose sales from damaged carts, busted carts, and even shoplifted goods that exit with them.
Cities also don’t want storing with carts on parks, sidewalks, and vacant lots. They’re unsightly and hazardous. And besides, city governments must spend time and funds rounding up these carts, a waste of public services.
What does the law have to say about it?
Some states already make it illegal to take a shopping cart off the premises of the store. Here are some:
- California: State law allows you to be fined $100 to $1,000 for simply taking a cart. Do it again, and you might even end up facing criminal charges.
- Florida: Malls are permitted to tag their carts and report them lost if stolen without permission.
- Texas: A number of cities have passed local ordinances that punish people for leaving their carts on public property.
What big steps retailers are taking to discourage this?
They’re taking steps about it. Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target have started using technology to keep carts from being pushed out of the parking lot:
- Wheel-lock systems: The wheels are locked if the cart is pushed too far.
- GPS tracking: Others are GPS trackers so that the store can hunt them down and retrieve them.
- Warning signs: They are installing signs informing people that cart removal is not allowed. Some even go to the extent of installing QR codes so you can scan the whole guidelines before you depart.
Some firms even send crews to collect stray carts from around the neighborhood and bring them back.
Why are the fines so high?
You ask yourself, “Why so big a fine for a simple cart?” This is why cities and stores take it seriously:
- A single shopping cart costs more than $250.
- Far-away carts can litter streets, harm the environment, or be destroyed by thieves.
- Stores may not have carts left over for other consumers.
- It is expensive and time-consuming to recover abandoned carts.
Thus, the fines are intended to deter repeat violations and send a message—leave the cart at the store.
Bottom line
And if you ever do get the urge to wheel a cart home, it’s just simply not worth the risk. You might get cited with a hundred-dollar or thousand-dollar fine. Instead, have someone assist with loading your groceries for you or hire a personal cart or wagon. It’ll cost you money—and a whole lot of hassle.
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