The new City ordinance, commonly called the Shopping Cart Ordinance, will go into effect Friday, Aug. 16, but Las Cruces police will delay enforcement for 60 days, in part, so retail establishments can submit a plan and application.

LCPD also wants to allow time for all parties to become educated on the new regulations and aware of the requirement.

Las Cruces police intend to begin enforcement of the ordinance on Oct. 16, 2024.

The ordinance, approved by Las Cruces City Council on Aug. 5, 2024, relates to shopping cart containment and retrieval. It intends to eliminate the public nuisance and potential hazards created when shopping carts are removed from retail establishments.

The ordinance will, in part, require retail establishments to submit a shopping cart plan, affix an identifying sign to their shopping carts and retrieve carts in a timely manner when they are located. The ordinance maintains previous regulations that make it a violation to remove shopping carts from retail premises or possess them off-site, abandon or alter them.

The ordinance does not require retail establishments to retrieve shopping carts directly from individuals who may have them, nor should retailers attempt to do so.

Violation of the shopping cart ordinance could result in a petty misdemeanor under Las Cruces Municipal Code, Section 1-10. In lieu of jail time or fine, the ordinance allows judges to order community service including counseling, treatment for substance use disorders or mental health treatment.

City of Las Cruces Launches New, Improved Website
Developing Youth Leadership Academy 2024
Other news in Uncategorized
View from the roadside, looking down Picacho Avenue in Las Cruces

W. Picacho/Motel Blvd MRA Public Meeting

The City of Las Cruces invites community members to participate in a public meeting to share their thoughts, opinions, and ideas on the future redevelopment of the W. Picacho Avenue…
Person typing on a laptop.

National Community Survey

Las Cruces and Doña Ana County residents are invited to participate in the National Community Survey. The National Community Survey™ is an online instrument that was developed in partnership with the…
People sitting in the park on blankets or chairs watching a movie

2025 Movies Series

The City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department will host its 2025 Movie Series beginning Saturday, June 14, 2025. The free, family-friendly event will feature outdoor movie screenings at…
Giant Metal Artistic Flowers in the park.

El Paseo & S. Solano MRA Feedback

The City of Las Cruces is working on a plan to reimagine and revitalize the neighborhoods around El Paseo and S Solano corridors between Lohman and University Avenues. A study…
Edward Signing his commitment to Las Cruces utilities

Utilities Internship Program Accepting Applications

The Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) Internship Program is a competitive program that awards internships to students pursuing an associate degree in one of the following technology programs: Water Technology. Computer…
mountain in background and trees in foreground

Hiking and Walking Events in April , May

The Parks and Recreation Department will host weekly hiking and walking events in April and May. Hiking Trails in the Southwest will take place on Fridays from April 11 through…

Before You Dig Call 811

April is Safe Digging Month. It serves as a reminder to call 811 for locating and mapping. To request a locate or to ask questions about what is required, contact…
tomatoes

Lush and Lean Workshops

The purpose of the Lush and Lean program is to help residents of Las Cruces make the best use of the limited water resources available by developing and maintaining gardens…
Trash Cart with Center latch

Trash Cart Latches Coming Soon

The City of Las Cruces Utilities Department is implementing a new latch to your trash cart. The new latch will be implemented within the next 18 months (beginning in 2025).…
Blue pilot Light

Pilot Light Relight Service

Stay safe and warm this winter. Schedule your Pilot Relight and Safety Check today. Avoid long wait times and schedule your Pilot Relight before cold weather arrives. For service, call…