You probably won’t even think twice about a shopping cart when you head into Walmart or Target. But if you ever considered taking it back to your house with you or leaving it in your apartment complex parking lot, you could be breaking the law—no joke. According to the law in nine states all over the United States, stealing or abandoning a cart can cost you up to $2,500 in fines or land you in jail.
Why the ado? Stores lose about 2 million carts each year, to the value of nearly $175 million per year, according to estimates by the Food Marketing Institute. And abroad, stores lose as much as $800 million. It’s not entirely theft, however; carts are usually abandoned or repurposed most of the time, like for grills or spontaneous getaway vehicles.
What is illegal cart usage?
There are three general ways you can end up in hot water:
1. Taking a cart off store property without permission
2. Leaving one out in public areas, like sidewalks or parking lots
3. Altering or reusing a cart, like using it as a personal gadget
These habits can lead to civil or criminal charges, depending on where you live.
States with the most severe penalties
Let’s outline it state by state so you know what to expect:
- California: You can be fined up to $1,000 or 6 months in jail
- New York: Fines are at least $100, but for more serious offenses, up to $1,000 or jail
- Texas: First time = $500 fine; second time = $2,000 fine or 180 days in jail
- Florida: Up to $1,000 in fines or a year in jail for first-degree misdemeanors
- Nevada: Pushing a cart is petty larceny—up to $1,000 in fines and 6 months in jail
- Hawaii: Honolulu imposes fines up to $500, 30 days in jail, or both
- Arizona: Fines are a minimum of $500; merchants can sue you for an additional $250+ civil penalties
- Illinois: In cities such as Chicago, you could be fined $200 per cart or up to $2,500 for a misdemeanor
- Washington: Most cities fine you $50–$1,000, and tack on 90 days in jail for serious crimes
Three ways to avoid getting fined
Well, here’s how you can stay on the right side of the law—without having to quit shopping:
1. Return the cart to the store
No matter how much you might like to wheel it home to your car or apartment, always return it to where you picked it up.
2. Check signs
Most carts today have prominent notices and store names that make them legally copyrighted. That in itself may be a crime against taking them.
3. Report abandoned carts
If you notice an abandoned cart in your neighborhood, notify the store. Most municipalities will fine the store if carts aren’t being retrieved, so there is motivation for both you and the store to act.
Last words
You might think it’s not a big deal to take a cart a block or two, but in certain states, it’ll cost you thousands of dollars or get you in jail. So next time you’re running your errands at Walmart, Target, or any large-box store, take the initiative to bring back your cart. Not only is it the right thing to do—it’ll save you a huge legal hassle.
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