If I go to the store to buy two items, I usually take a regular shopping cart. My grandmother, however, is looking for a dime and takes a big cart, even if she’s only going for one single item. And people her age often do. Shopping carts are very handy for larger purchases, but for many of us they have become something automatic for smaller ones. In Brazil, however, you can now face a fine for using them incorrectly.

When I was in high school, my friends and I would ride in the carts on the street and take pictures. And in some cases, our teenage pranks were so silly that I wouldn’t be surprised if we were fined for inappropriate use of the item. But I would never have guessed that in some countries, the authorities can punish you just for taking too long to shop with a trolley.

Transport problems

São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. This metropolis is known for dealing with many traffic jams and related accidents. And they are not always caused just by classic cars moving down the road. People with shopping trolleys also often make traffic difficult in the city. That is why the authorities have decided to take action.

In cities, people often use trolleys for long periods of time, even to move shopping over longer distances. But that should be the end of it. A law is now being discussed that would ban the use and leaving of these items in public areas of the city.

Baskets should only be used to carry purchases. And if you take too long, you might even get a fine in Brazil. ━━ Baskets should only be used to carry purchases. And if you take too long, you might even get a fine in Brazil. ( Source: Vitaly Gariev /  Unsplash+ )

To use, yes. But only temporarily and with restrictions

Legislation in the Brazilian city allows people to continue using the baskets, but only on the condition that they handle them quickly and only in designated areas. People are simply not allowed to obstruct traffic with the cart in any way. The impetus for the whole debate is believed to be complaints from city residents who say that baskets are often left in places where they can cause traffic accidents.

At present, there is no definition of what exactly the law will command or prohibit, nor what the penalties will be for violating certain rules. It is only a debate for now, but it is very likely that some official changes will actually appear. The proposal will be debated several more times in the City Council before a final decision is made.