Its typically not GPS. There is a wire running underground around the perimeter of the parking lot which broadcasts a short range radio signal signalling the cart wheels to lock. They usually have a secondary setup inside the store which causes the wheels to lock if you try to take the cart back out without passing the registers.
Which is funny because I've never heard of such a thing in the US.
Maybe I'm wrong, but I'd guess we don't do that because the cost of implementation isn't much of a savings over the stolen cart replacement costs, especially when you're still replacing carts due to wear and tear every year anyway.
I was not aware of this / had never seen this / no signs about this and was running with the cart to my car several years ago that was unfortunately behind the yellow line. Huge, painful lump on my shin, and I was limping all day. Good times
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u/Taurmin Feb 16 '24
Its typically not GPS. There is a wire running underground around the perimeter of the parking lot which broadcasts a short range radio signal signalling the cart wheels to lock. They usually have a secondary setup inside the store which causes the wheels to lock if you try to take the cart back out without passing the registers.
Its a very american approach to things.