Self-checkout laws in 2025 are getting stricter and if you’re shopping in Texas, California, or Rhode Island, one wrong scan could cost you thousands.
These three U.S. states are officially clamping down on the controversial self-serve checkout kiosks that exploded in popularity during the pandemic. But now? Shoppers are being warned to play by the rules or pay up.
Let’s break down what’s changing and what it means for your next grocery run:
TEXAS:
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the consequences for self-checkout theft.
- “Skip scanning” tricks are being called out, including:
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- The Pass Around, not scanning an item
- The Banana Trick, ringing up a pricey item with a cheap code
- The Switcheroo, replacing a price tag with a cheaper one
- Penalties include:
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- Items under $100: up to $500 fine
- Between $100 and $750: up to 180 days in jail + $2,000 fine
- Over $300,000: up to life in prison + $10,000 fine
- Theft is so common that these terms are now used to describe how people cheat the system.
- Stores are fighting back with
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- Locking cabinets
- Security pegs and cameras
- Smart carts and receipt scanners
- “Beep” rule: If it doesn’t beep, don’t bag it!
RHODE ISLAND:
This state is trying to strike a balance between tech and people.
- A bill by Senate President Valarie Lawson proposes:
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- No more than 6 self-checkout stations per store
- For every 2 kiosks, there must be 1 manned checkout lane
- Aimed to protect seniors and ensure customer service
- Also protects workers from covering too many stations at once
- The bill passed the Rhode Island Senate and is now awaiting action in the House.
CALIFORNIA:
Long Beach is going bold with the “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” ordinance.
- Rules include:
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- One employee for every two self-checkout kiosks
- 15-item limit at kiosks
- Up to a $2,500 per hour fine if stores don’t comply
• The law was approved June 17 and goes into effect after a 30-day finalization window.
What Retailers Are Doing Nationwide:
Big chains like Walmart and Target are changing their approach:
- Walmart:
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- Some self-checkouts are limited to Walmart+ members only.
- Others closed during certain hours.
- Restricting 15 items or less in some stores.
- Target:
-
- Rolled out express self-checkout lanes for 10 items or fewer
- Expanded the policy to 2,000 stores by March 2024
One test even used RFID tech to skip receipt checks, but that got scrapped.
Why This Matters:
- Self-checkout has been around since 1986 (first appearing at Kroger in Atlanta).
- It peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic for health reasons.
- Now, issues like theft, user errors, and less customer service have sparked backlash.
- Customers in nine states could face $2,500 fines for breaking “cart laws.”
- Eight states also have “wardrobing” laws with up to $5,000 fines, even if you don’t realize you’re violating them.
So, next time you’re at self-checkout, keep an ear out for that all-important beep. That sound might just save you thousands.
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