On October 13, 2025, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 753 (introduced by Senator Dave Cortese) into law — giving cities and counties new authority to retrieve, fine, and bill retailers for shopping carts found off their property.
While the goal is to reduce cart abandonment and maintain cleaner communities, the impact on retailers is significant.
What the Law Says
Under California Business & Professions Code Sections 22435.7 and 22435.7.5, local governments can now:
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Retrieve and return shopping carts found off-premises and charge up to $100 per cart for the service.
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Fine retailers $30 per occurrence for failing to retrieve carts within three business days of notice.
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Impound or dispose of carts not reclaimed within 30 days.
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Act immediately if carts block emergency access or create safety hazards.
Cities are also empowered to document each incident, keeping proof of notice and delivery — increasing precision and accountability in enforcement.
Why This Matters
Retailers with multiple stores or large cart fleets are especially at risk.
Every uncontained cart can now trigger direct financial penalties and damage brand reputation within the community.
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Rising costs: Retrieval and disposal fees add up quickly.
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Brand perception: Stray carts reflect poorly on store operations.
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Compliance burden: Delays in retrieval can result in escalating fines.
SB-753 effectively turns abandoned carts into a regulated compliance issue — one that requires proactive prevention.
How Gatekeeper Systems® Helps You Stay Compliant
For over two decades, Gatekeeper Systems has helped retailers across California and North America keep their carts where they belong — on property.
Our CartControl® Containment Solution automatically lock carts at store boundaries using patented SmartWheel® technology, ensuring carts can’t leave the premises.
✅ Up to 90% reduction in stray carts
✅ Instant SB-753 compliance
✅ Fewer city fines and retrieval fees
✅ Improved customer experience and brand reputation
Paired with CartManager® Ultra, stores can safely and efficiently collect up to 30 carts at once, cutting labor hours and keeping more carts available for shoppers.
Don’t Wait for the First Fine
With SB-753 now in effect, retailers must act quickly to safeguard compliance and avoid thousands in avoidable penalties.
👉 Book a Quick Compliance Assessment to understand your store’s exposure and discover how Gatekeeper Systems can help you stay ahead of the new regulations.
Be proactive — protect your brand, your carts, and your bottom line.
Learn More
Want to dig deeper into how local regulations can cost your business more than you expect?
Read our related article, Avoid Surprise Fees: The Risks of Carts Off Your Property, for insights on financial, operational, and reputational risks associated with stray carts — and how to prevent them before they start.
