Leaving a Walmart with your cart might seem harmless, a simple convenience in a busy shopping world. But think again. A new wave of retail enforcement is sweeping the nation, with shoppers now facing eye-watering fines of up to $2,500 for the seemingly minor offense of cart theft. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist; it’s a serious crackdown reflecting the millions of stores that lose annually to missing carts, and it begs the question: is your state one of the places where a forgotten cart could cost you a fortune?
Retailers Lose Millions to Cart Theft—Here’s How They’re Fighting Back
Consumers could face fines of up to $2,500 for taking a shopping cart off the premises at major retailers like Target and Walmart.
Roughly two million carts vanish from stores each year, costing companies an estimated $175 million annually to replace
Several states throughout the US have proposed and passed bills with the goal of solving this problem and devising ways to prevent carts from leaving the premises.
The issue isn’t new, but it’s getting more attention as retailers escalate their fight against rising shoplifting and in-store losses.
Fighting to survive its second bankruptcy, Rite Aid began rolling out locked display cases nationwide after the pandemic. Shoppers have also looked for tricks on how to open cases themselves.
Other measures implemented by retailers for theft protection include hidden barcodes on products and advanced technology like Walmart’s robotic parking lot security guard.
One of the biggest changes retailers are making to prevent theft is axing self-checkouts. Dollar Tree removed machines from 12,000 stores and found itself experiencing an 8 percent sales boost.
State by State: How Much You Could Be Fined for Stealing a Shopping Cart
Penalties for shopping cart theft vary dramatically depending on where you live, with some states treating it as a minor infraction and others handing down serious legal consequences. From civil fines to criminal charges and even jail time, the legal landscape reflects growing concern over retail losses and public nuisance complaints tied to abandoned carts. Below is a state-by-state breakdown, collated by The Daily Mail, showing how different parts of the country are cracking down on what might seem like a petty offense, but one that’s costing businesses millions each year.
Arizona
In Arizona, removing a shopping cart from store property could land residents in civil court, with fines reaching $250, depending on the cart’s value. First-time offenders aren’t off the hook either—they may also face criminal charges and an additional $500 penalty. While data on cart theft is limited, Phoenix is considering new rules that would require stores to outfit carts with GPS tracking or locking wheels to deter theft.
California
In California, cart theft isn’t just frowned upon—it’s a misdemeanor offense if someone takes a cart with the intent to deprive the owner permanently or even temporarily. Offenders may be fined up to $1,000 and jailed for up to six months. With theft on the rise, cities like San Jose have mandated that large retailers with 76 or more carts implement anti-theft measures like wheel locks, cart deposit systems, or retrieval services to tighten parking lot security.
Florida
Florida shoppers caught taking carts from store parking lots can face misdemeanor charges and a $100 civil fine, but penalties can rise if the cart remains in their possession longer. The law also applies to laundry carts and carts with altered or removed identification. In severe cases, offenders could be fined over $1,000 and spend up to a year in jail.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, abandoning a stolen cart in a public area could cost shoppers up to $500 and 30 days in jail. The issue drew legislative attention after Honolulu reported nearly 5,000 carts stolen in 2022. In 2023, city leaders began pushing for stricter laws to address what many see as a growing concern, especially in areas with large unhoused populations.
Illinois
Illinois leads the nation with one of the highest cart theft fines—up to $2,500, depending on the cart’s cost and the offender’s criminal history. However, in Chicago, penalties are typically more lenient, often capped at $200. If elevated to a misdemeanor, offenders could also face up to a year behind bars.
Nevada
In Nevada, shopping cart theft is considered petty larceny, since most carts fall below the state’s felony theft threshold of $1,200. Still, the consequences are serious: offenders may face fines up to $1,000 or six months in jail, applied per cart stolen.
New York
Stealing a cart in New York could result in a $100 civil fine, but more serious cases may be charged as misdemeanors. If convicted, individuals face up to $1,000 per cart in fines and as much as a year in jail. The severity of the punishment often hinges on the total value of the stolen property.
Texas
In Texas, shopping cart theft is generally a Class C misdemeanor, carrying a maximum $500 fine. However, repeat offenders or those with prior convictions may see charges bumped to a Class B misdemeanor, with penalties climbing to $2,000, 180 days in jail, or both.
Washington
Cities across Washington state take cart theft seriously, with many imposing $50 fines for unauthorized removal. Some municipalities also levy impound fees of an additional $50. Depending on the case, offenders could face misdemeanor charges, up to $1,000 in fines, and 90 days in jail.
Public Divided Over Cart Crackdown
The public’s reaction to the increased legislation and fines for shopping cart theft is largely mixed. On one hand, many consumers understand the underlying issue: these carts are private property, and their disappearance costs businesses significant money, which can ultimately translate to higher prices for everyone. Some even appreciate the effort to maintain order and reduce visible blight caused by abandoned carts in neighborhoods.
However, there’s also a palpable sense of frustration and even opposition among the public. The prospect of facing substantial fines, sometimes thousands of dollars, for what many might perceive as a minor oversight or a seemingly harmless act, can feel disproportionate and punitive. Concerns are frequently raised about how these strict laws might unfairly target vulnerable populations, such as homeless individuals who often rely on shopping carts for transporting their belongings, even if they didn’t “steal” them in the traditional sense but found them abandoned.
There’s also a general sentiment of inconvenience as retailers implement more restrictive measures like wheel locks, which can hinder ease of use, especially for those legitimately trying to return carts or for individuals with mobility challenges. Some shoppers and retail workers report frequent malfunctions and unintended consequences, such as inconveniencing elderly or disabled customers.
Source: The Daily Mail