Preliminary ProvisionsDefinitions
Section § 16100
This law simply states that the term ".50 BMG cartridge" refers to a specific definition found in another part of the legal code, specifically Section 30525.
Section § 16110
This law section indicates that if you're looking for information about what a ".50 BMG rifle" is or how it's regulated, you should refer to Section 30530.
Section § 16120
This California law defines the term "abuse" for legal purposes. It includes actions like intentionally causing or trying to cause physical injury, committing sexual assault, making someone fear immediate serious injury, or engaging in behaviors like molesting, attacking, stalking, damaging personal property, or violating a domestic violence protective order.
Section § 16130
This law defines the term "agent" for the purposes of Section 26915 as someone who is an employee of a licensee.
Section § 16140
This law defines what an 'air gauge knife' is. It's a tool that looks like an air gauge but actually has a hidden pointed metal shaft. This shaft is meant to be used like a stabbing weapon and can be pushed out or fall out, locking in place when it's extended.
Section § 16150
This California law defines what counts as "ammunition" in specific sections of its regulations. Generally, "ammunition" refers to cartridges that are ready to fire and made up of a primed case, a propellant, and projectiles, but not blanks. In some sections, the term is broader and also includes bullets, magazines, clips, and other devices that can fire projectiles with deadly consequences. Importantly, even in these cases, blanks are still not considered ammunition. The law took effect on July 1, 2020.
Section § 16151
Starting January 1, 2018, an 'ammunition vendor' is defined as any business with a valid ammunition vendor license, according to a specific section of the law.
Additionally, firearms dealers with certain licenses are automatically considered licensed ammunition vendors if they follow related legal requirements.
Section § 16160
This law defines an 'antique cannon' as any cannon made before January 1, 1899, that either can't be fired anymore or for which ammunition is no longer made in the U.S. and can't be easily found through regular commercial means.
Section § 16170
This law defines what counts as an 'antique firearm' for various legal purposes. A firearm made before January 1, 1899, is considered antique when referring to certain sections. For others, an antique firearm is defined according to federal law in the United States Code. Furthermore, for specific sections, an antique firearm includes those made in or before 1898 that can't use modern ammunition, or those with ammunition no longer made or easily found on the market.
Section § 16180
This law defines an 'antique rifle' as a type of antique firearm, specifically following the definition set out in federal regulations.
Section § 16190
This section defines what 'application to purchase' a firearm means. It refers to two specific scenarios. First, it's when the person buying, receiving, or borrowing a firearm fills out the necessary registration as mentioned in another law (Section 28210). Second, it's when a gun dealer records and sends information about this transaction to the Department of Justice, as required by a different law (Section 28215).
Section § 16200
This section directs that the definition and use of the term "assault weapon" are specifically outlined in Sections 30510 and 30515 of the law.
Section § 16220
This law defines a 'ballistic knife' as a device that shoots a blade like a projectile using a coil spring, elastic material, or compressed gas.
It clearly states that devices like bows, crossbows, or spearguns, which propel arrows or bolts, are not considered ballistic knives.
Section § 16230
This law defines a “ballistics identification system” as any automated system that can store images of firearm ballistic markings and trace them back to the specific gun that made them.
Section § 16240
The "basic firearms safety certificate" refers to a certificate that was given out by the Department of Justice in California before January 1, 2003. This was part of a now-repealed regulation that was in effect from January 1, 1992, until it ended on January 1, 2003.
Section § 16250
This section defines what a 'BB device' is in California law. It includes any tool that shoots a projectile, like a BB or pellet, using air pressure, gas pressure, or spring action, as well as spot marker guns. This definition became effective starting January 1, 2016.
Section § 16260
This law defines a "belt buckle knife" as a knife that is built into a belt buckle and has a blade at least two and one-half inches long.
Section § 16270
This law defines a 'blowgun' as a hollow tube used to propel a dart by blowing through it.
Section § 16280
This law section defines 'blowgun ammunition' as a dart specifically made for use in a blowgun.
Section § 16288
This law defines 'body armor' as any material designed to resist bullets and provide protection against ballistic and trauma injuries for the wearer.
Section § 16290
This law defines "body vest" or "body shield" as any type of bullet-resistant material that is designed to protect the wearer or holder from bullets and reduce trauma.
Section § 16300
Section § 16310
This law defines a booby trap as any hidden or disguised device intended to seriously injure someone when activated by an unsuspecting person. Examples of booby traps include firearms, explosives linked to trip wires, sharpened stakes, and hooked lines or wires.
Section § 16320
This section defines what a "camouflaging firearm container" is. It refers to any container designed to hold a firearm that can be fired using controls outside the container and doesn't obviously look like it's holding a firearm.
However, it doesn't include covers used for lawful hunting activities.
Section § 16330
This law defines a 'cane gun' as a firearm that is hidden inside or attached to a walking aid like a stick, staff, rod, or crutch. It must be designed to allow the gun to be fired while it is still mounted or enclosed within the aid.
Section § 16340
This law defines a "cane sword" as any object like a cane, stick, or umbrella that hides a blade inside, which can be used like a sword or stiletto.
Section § 16350
This section explains that when a gun is described as having the 'capacity to accept more than 10 rounds,' it means it can hold over 10 bullets in its magazine or feeding device. However, it does not apply to devices that have been permanently changed so they can no longer hold more than 10 rounds.
Section § 16360
This law defines the abbreviation "CCW" to mean "carry concealed weapons."
Section § 16370
This law defines a "certified instructor" or "DOJ Certified Instructor" as someone who is officially recognized by the Department of Justice to teach handgun safety. These instructors are designated according to specific rules mentioned in another legal section.
Section § 16380
This law defines a "chamber load indicator" for pistols. It is a device that clearly shows if a cartridge is in the gun's firing chamber. The indicator must be easy to see and include text or images to explain its function without needing to consult a manual.
Section § 16400
This law defines what is considered "clear evidence" of a person's identity and age in California. It specifies that either a valid California driver's license or a valid California ID card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles satisfies this requirement.
Section § 16405
This law defines "composite knuckles" as any device made partially or entirely from materials other than metal, meant for striking purposes, which are worn on the hand to protect it or enhance the impact of a blow.
These devices exclude medically prescribed prosthetics.
Section § 16410
This law defines a "consultant-evaluator" as someone who, in their professional capacity, is allowed to borrow firearms for research or evaluation purposes. This person must get the firearms from a federally licensed dealer and must have a valid eligibility certificate.
Section § 16420
This law section directs you to look at Section 16470 for the official definition of the term "dagger." So, if you want to know exactly what qualifies as a dagger under the law, you'll need to check that section.
Section § 16430
This section defines a 'deadly weapon' as any weapon that is illegal to possess or carry in secret under certain specified laws.
Section § 16440
This section refers you to Section 26700 for the definition and rules about the term "dealer." It doesn't explain "dealer" itself but tells you where to look for the details.
Section § 16450
In this law, anytime you see the word "department" in particular sections, such as 31610 to 31700, Chapter 2 starting with 29030 under Division 7, and Article 3 starting with 30345 under Division 10 of Title 4, it refers specifically to the Department of Justice.
Section § 16460
This law defines what is considered a 'destructive device' in certain California statutes. It includes weapons like bombs, grenades, and large-caliber firearms, as well as explosive projectiles, rockets, and containers with flammable liquids. However, it does not include explosive bullets. Exceptions exist for specific devices like shotguns and certain emergency signaling devices. The law aims to clarify which dangerous items are regulated as destructive devices.
Section § 16470
This law explains what is considered a 'dirk' or 'dagger' under the law. It's any type of knife or instrument that can be easily used to stab someone and cause serious injury or death. However, a nonlocking folding knife, or one not restricted by another specific section, is only considered a stabbing weapon if its blade is exposed and locked in place.
Section § 16480
This law states that the rules for using the title 'DOJ Certified Instructor' are set out in another section, specifically Section 16370.
Section § 16490
This section defines "domestic violence" as any form of abuse against specific individuals. It covers abuse towards current or former spouses, cohabitants, and those in a dating or engagement relationship.
Additionally, it includes individuals with whom the abuser shares a child, any child involved under the Uniform Parentage Act, and family members closely related by blood or marriage.
Section § 16500
This section states that the phrase "drop safety requirement for handguns" is explained further in Section 31900.
Section § 16505
This law explains that a firearm is considered 'encased' if it is fully enclosed in a case specifically designed for holding firearms. The case must be completely fastened, so that no part of the firearm is visible.
Section § 16510
This law defines what is considered an "explosive" for specific legal purposes. An explosive is anything that detonates or burns quickly, releasing gas and heat. It includes materials like dynamite, nitroglycerine, and certain powders, as well as substances classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation as explosives. The State Fire Marshal has the authority to classify materials as explosives according to federal standards. Notably, this definition does not cover destructive devices or ammunition for firearms like shotguns and pistols.
Section § 16515
This section defines a "Federal licensee authorized to serialize firearms" as an individual or business entity that has a federal firearms license allowing them to assign serial numbers to firearms. This is done according to specific federal regulations.
Section § 16517
This section defines a 'federally licensed manufacturer or importer' as any person or business with a valid federal license to make or import firearms. This license is issued under United States federal law, specifically Chapter 44 of Title 18.
Section § 16519
This law describes what a 'federally regulated firearm precursor part' is. It is a gun part considered a firearm under federal law, specifically Chapter 44 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code. Additionally, if needed, it should have a serial number engraved by a licensed federal dealer following all federal laws and regulations.
Section § 16520
This section defines what a "firearm" means in various legal contexts in California. Generally, a firearm is a device designed to launch a projectile using an explosion or combustion. However, the definition can include frames, receivers, and precursor parts for specific legal applications, and even rockets or devices with explosives under certain conditions. Conversely, an unloaded antique firearm is not considered a firearm in many sections. Additionally, firearms do not include destructive devices in particular sections, and some definitions align with federal laws.
Section § 16530
This California law defines what counts as a concealed firearm, pistol, or revolver. A firearm is classified this way if it can shoot a projectile using an explosion or combustion and has a barrel shorter than 16 inches. If a device has a longer barrel but can be swapped for one shorter than 16 inches, it also falls under this definition. Additionally, even if recognized as a concealed firearm, it can also be considered a short-barreled rifle or shotgun.
Section § 16531
This law defines a 'firearm precursor part' as any item that can be easily made into the frame or receiver of a working firearm. These parts are either in a stage of manufacture where they can be assembled into a firearm or are marketed for that purpose.
The Department of Justice is required to provide guidance, including pictures, on what qualifies as a firearm precursor part.
Parts that are only used for antique firearms are not considered firearm precursor parts, as per a different section of the law.
Section § 16535
This law explains what a 'firearm safety certificate' is. It's a certificate from the Department of Justice, which you might have received under certain sections of the law from 2003 until the law was restructured in 2010. The section specifically became effective starting January 1, 2015.
Section § 16540
This law defines a 'firearm safety device' as any device, excluding a gun safe, that locks and is specifically designed to stop children and unauthorized individuals from using a gun. These devices can be attached to a firearm, built into its design, or used to block access to the firearm.
Section § 16550
This law defines a 'firearm transaction record' as a document that contains specific information required by certain federal regulations. It refers to details outlined in specific parts of the federal regulations related to firearm transactions.
Section § 16560
This section indicates that the term "firing requirement for handguns" is specifically regulated by another section, which is Section 31905.
Section § 16570
The term "flechette dart" refers to a specific type of dart that can be shot from a firearm. It is about one inch long and has tail fins that are around five-sixteenths of an inch in length.
Section § 16575
This section of the California Penal Code outlines which provisions from the former laws about firearm sales licenses have been continued under new code sections after the recodification act of 2010. These specified provisions maintain the regulations that existed under the old law, essentially preserving previous legal rules now under new section numbers. Any laws introduced after the recodification in 2010 are not included in this preservation.
Section § 16580
This law explains that certain sections of California's firearms regulations were preserved after a recodification in 2010. It lists specific sections that were kept the same as they were before the recodification under the Deadly Weapons Recodification Act of 2010. These sections are referred to as 'former Chapter 1 provisions.' However, any new laws added in these sections after the 2010 recodification are not included in this preservation.
Section § 16585
This section of the California Penal Code addresses the continuation of certain provisions related to the country's deadliest weapons. It outlines which provisions from the old Section 12078, before it was repealed in 2010, have been carried over into new sections of the law.
The provisions can be found in specified sections across a wide range of numbers, and these are collectively referred to as the 'former Section 12078 provisions.' However, none of the provisions that were introduced after the Deadly Weapons Recodification Act of 2010 are included.
Section § 16590
This section lists weapons that are illegal to possess in California. These 'generally prohibited weapons' include items designed to disguise their purpose or enhance lethality. Examples are knives disguised as pens or belt buckles, ammunition with explosive elements, guns that don't look like guns, and devices that increase gunfire speed. Metal knuckles, large-capacity magazines, and short-barreled rifles are also banned.
The law clearly outlines each type of banned item and refers to specific sections where they are explicitly prohibited to ensure compliance with state weapon regulations.
Section § 16600
In this section, the term "great bodily injury" is defined as an injury that is significant or substantial physically. This helps specify what qualifies as a serious physical injury under certain legal contexts.
Section § 16610
This law defines a 'gun safe' as a secure, locking container that holds and protects one or more firearms, and complies with specific safety standards outlined in another law.
Section § 16620
This section of the law defines a 'Gun Show Trader' as a person who is specifically described in another part of the law, Section 26525. It doesn't give details here, but it points to where you can find more information about what qualifies someone as a Gun Show Trader.
Section § 16630
This law defines the term 'gunsmith' as someone who is licensed as a firearms dealer under U.S. federal law. A gunsmith is primarily involved in fixing guns or making and assembling specialist parts for them. This also includes any agents or employees working for that licensed person.
Section § 16640
This part of the law defines a 'handgun' as any pistol, revolver, or firearm that can be hidden on a person. Importantly, just because something is called a 'handgun' doesn't mean it can't also be classified as a short-barreled rifle or shotgun.
Section § 16650
This law defines what is considered "handgun ammunition." It primarily refers to ammunition for pistols, revolvers, and other concealable firearms, even if it can be used in some rifles. However, it specifically excludes ammunition for antique firearms and blanks from this definition.
Section § 16660
This section defines what is considered "handgun ammunition designed primarily to penetrate metal or armor." It includes any ammunition that is specifically designed to penetrate body vests or shields and is not a shotgun shell or primarily rifle ammunition. It must be made of certain materials, like tungsten alloys, steel, or depleted uranium, or have a design that makes it particularly effective at penetrating armor, such as a certain shape or density.
Section § 16670
This law defines what a 'handgun safety certificate' is. It's a certificate given out by the Department of Justice. This happens under specific sections or a former article that was operational between 2003 until it got repealed in 2010 by another act.
Section § 16680
This law defines 'hard wooden knuckles' as any non-metal device made of wood or paper that fits on the hand. It's designed to increase the impact of a punch or to protect the hand during a strike. It may have features like projections or studs that contact the person being hit.
Section § 16685
This section defines what a 'valid and unexpired hunting license' is. It specifies that such a license is one issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife and must be currently active for hunting birds or mammals, meaning the authorized hunting period has started but not yet ended.
Section § 16690
This California law section clarifies who is considered "honorably retired" for certain legal provisions. It includes peace officers who have accepted a service or disability retirement and retired level I reserve officers meeting specific criteria. However, it does not include officers who chose to retire to avoid being terminated.
Section § 16700
This law defines what an 'imitation firearm' is, which includes items like BB devices or toy guns that resemble real guns closely enough to be mistaken for them by a reasonable person. It also mentions phone cases made to look like guns. However, certain items are exceptions to this definition, such as historically significant nonfiring replicas, spot markers with larger calibers, specific BB devices, and airsoft guns with certain bright colors or markings. These airsoft guns must have fluorescent coloration on the trigger guard and adhesive bands on certain parts to distinguish them clearly, and these markers must be present before sale.
Additionally, devices that are entirely bright in color or transparent, making the inside visible, are not considered imitation firearms.
Section § 16720
This law defines the term "immediate family member" specifically for the purposes of this legal section. An immediate family member is either a parent and child relationship or a grandparent and grandchild relationship.
Section § 16730
This California law defines the term "infrequent" as it applies to certain firearm transactions. A firearm transaction is considered infrequent if someone engages in less than six transactions per year and sells, leases, or transfers no more than 50 firearms in total per year. A "transaction" refers to one instance of selling, leasing, or transferring any number of firearms, no matter how many are involved.
Section § 16740
This California law defines a "large-capacity magazine" as any ammunition feeding device that can hold more than 10 rounds. However, it excludes certain types of devices from this definition: those permanently modified to hold 10 rounds or fewer, .22 caliber tube feeding devices, and tubular magazines in lever-action firearms.
Section § 16745
This section defines who an 'authorized user' of a firearm is. It describes this as someone who is legally allowed to have a firearm under state or federal laws. The person must either own the firearm themselves or have been given lawful permission by the owner to use it.
Section § 16750
This law explains what it means to legally have a gun. If you own a gun or have been given permission by the owner, you have 'lawful possession.' If you take a gun without permission, you do not have lawful possession. This applies to certain California laws about carrying and possessing firearms in public places.
Section § 16760
This law defines a 'leaded cane' as any kind of walking aid like a staff or crutch that has been deliberately made heavier by adding lead.
Section § 16770
This part of the law defines 'less lethal ammunition.' Such ammunition must meet two conditions: it is intended for use in any weapon, not just guns, like firearms, pistols, shotguns, or even weapons powered by air or gas. Secondly, the ammunition is designed to temporarily disable or stun a person without causing death, typically through pain or physical discomfort.
Section § 16780
This law defines what qualifies as a 'less lethal weapon.' These are devices intended to temporarily incapacitate a person without causing long-lasting harm. They work by delivering less-than-lethal physical effects like pain or discomfort.
The law specifies that it includes any device converted to function this way, but there are exceptions. Traditional firearms like pistols, revolvers, and rifles, unless modified as specified, along with certain devices like toy guns, tear gas, and assault weapons, are not included as less lethal weapons.
Section § 16790
This section defines a "licensed gun dealer" as someone who is authorized under Sections 26700 to 26915. It also requires them to have a special permit to sell assault weapons or .50 BMG rifles as specified in Section 31005.
Section § 16800
This law defines a 'licensed gun show producer' as someone who has received a certificate of eligibility from the Department of Justice. There’s no need for additional regulations to enforce this section.
Section § 16810
This section defines what is meant by terms like "licensed premises," "licensee’s business premises," or "licensee’s place of business" in certain parts of the law. It indicates that these terms refer to the building specified in the license.
Section § 16820
This section clarifies how the term “licensee” should be interpreted in different parts of the legal code. In certain legal contexts, the meaning of “licensee” is governed by Section 26700, while in other contexts within a specific chapter of the code starting with Section 29030, it is governed by Section 29030.
Section § 16822
This law section states that the meaning of 'licensee’s business premises' is defined by Section 16810.
Section § 16824
This law section indicates that if you're looking for the definition or regulations regarding a 'licensee’s place of business,' you should refer to Section 16810 for detailed information.
Section § 16830
Section § 16840
This section explains what it means for a firearm to be "loaded" in different legal contexts. A firearm is considered loaded if a person has both the gun and ammunition that can be fired from it on them. More specifically, a gun is "loaded" if it has an unspent cartridge or shell, which includes bullets or shot within the gun's chamber, magazine, or clip. For a muzzle-loader, it is loaded when it is capped or primed and contains a powder charge and ball or shot in the barrel or cylinder.
Section § 16850
The term "locked container" refers to a secure container that must be completely closed and secured with a lock, such as a padlock or combination lock. However, it specifically does not include the utility or glove compartments in a car.
Section § 16860
This section defines a "locking device" as something that is created to stop a firearm from working. When you use it on a gun, it makes the gun impossible to operate.
Section § 16865
This law defines a "long gun" as any firearm that is neither a handgun nor a machinegun. It's a way to categorize firearms that aren't specifically handguns or machineguns.
Section § 16870
This law defines what qualifies as a 'long-gun safe.' It must be a secure, lockable container specifically designed for rifles or shotguns. The lock can be mechanical or electronic but must have at least 1,000 unique combinations using at least three numbers, letters, or symbols. Additionally, it should not be on a certain list maintained under another section of the law.
Section § 16880
This law defines what qualifies as a 'machinegun' in several ways. A machinegun is any weapon that can shoot more than one bullet automatically with one trigger pull. It also includes the frame or receiver of such a weapon, parts made to convert guns into machineguns, and any set of parts that can be put together to make a machinegun, if you have them. Lastly, it includes weapons considered easily convertible to machineguns according to federal regulations.
Section § 16890
In this law, the term 'magazine' refers to any device that feeds ammunition into a firearm. This definition is used specifically in Section 30515.
Section § 16900
This law defines a 'magazine disconnect mechanism' as a safety device in a semiautomatic pistol. It stops the gun from firing if the detachable magazine is removed, even if there is still a bullet in the firing chamber.
Section § 16920
This law defines "metal knuckles" as any metal device worn on the hand that is used for attacking or defending. It can protect the wearer's hand during a strike or make the strike more powerful. These devices can include metal parts like projections or studs that impact the person being hit.
Section § 16930
This law defines what a 'multiburst trigger activator' is. It refers to devices that can be attached or integrated into a semiautomatic firearm to increase its firing rate. These include devices like bump stocks that allow a gun to fire multiple shots quickly. The law lists specific types like burst triggers and trigger cranks, which make the gun fire more rapidly by mechanical action, such as using cranks or springs to speed up how often the trigger can be pulled.
Section § 16940
This law defines a 'nunchaku' as a weapon made of two or more sticks, clubs, bars, or rods connected by a rope, cord, wire, or chain. It is typically associated with martial arts like karate and used for self-defense.
Section § 16950
This section basically explains that a handgun is considered to be openly carried if it's not hidden or concealed, according to the definitions in another law (Section 25400). So, if someone can see the handgun, it's 'openly carried' by this rule.
Section § 16960
This section defines what is meant by the 'operation of law' regarding the transfer or possession of firearms under certain legal circumstances. It lists specific scenarios where individuals or entities may legally possess or transfer firearms without standard legal procedures. These scenarios include executors handling estates with firearms, secured creditors with firearms as collateral, trustees managing a firearm trust, and law enforcement agencies returning firearms to finders. Other scenarios involve trustees or guardians managing firearms within trusts, wills, and estates, often under court supervision. Each scenario details who can lawfully manage or transfer firearms in those legal contexts.
Section § 16965
Section § 16970
This section defines the term "person" for certain parts of the law. In Sections 16790, 17505, and 30600, "person" includes individuals, businesses, and any groups or entities. In Chapter 2 of Division 10 of Title 4, except Section 30600, "person" only refers to individuals.
Section § 16980
This law refers to the specific use of the phrase "person licensed pursuant to Sections 26700 to 26915." It directs us to Section 26700 for more details on what this licensing entails. Essentially, it acts as a cross-reference to ensure understanding of who is considered licensed under these sections.
Section § 16990
This law outlines what it means to take possession of a firearm "by operation of law." It lists various scenarios where someone legally receives a firearm through legal or formal processes, rather than through standard commercial transactions. This includes receiving a firearm as part of an estate, through bankruptcy proceedings, or as collateral for a loan. It also covers instances like a firearm passing to a surviving spouse, being transferred by law enforcement to a finder, or involving trustees and conservators managing trusts or estates with firearms.
Section § 17000
This law defines who qualifies as a 'personal firearm importer' in California. Before 2014, the term was 'personal handgun importer,' and after that, it changed to include all firearms. To fit this label, a person cannot be a licensed firearms dealer, manufacturer, or importer. They must own a firearm acquired outside California and have moved to California as a resident after specific dates. They intend to keep the firearm in California and must have not previously registered it with the Department of Justice if they lived in California before. The firearm must not be illegal, such as an assault weapon, machine gun, .50 BMG rifle, or destructive device. The person must be 18 or older. For Armed Forces members, residency is established on discharge from active service in California.
Section § 17010
Section § 17020
This law section states that a city or county can only be called your main place of work or business if you spend a significant amount of your working time physically there.
Section § 17030
This law defines a "prohibited area" as any location where shooting a weapon is not allowed.
Section § 17040
This law specifies that the term "public place" in a certain chapter and division of California law has the same definition as given in another specific legal section. Essentially, it's directing you to refer to Section 25850 for the exact meaning of "public place."
Section § 17060
Section § 17060
This law defines what counts as a 'residence' in different sections of California's penal code. Generally, a residence includes structures like houses, condos, rooms, motels, hotels, and time-shares, where people live. However, for some specific sections, it doesn't include vehicles like RVs where people might live. This definition will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Section § 17070
This law defines a 'responsible adult' as someone who is at least 21 years old and legally permitted by state and federal laws to have a firearm. This means they can't have any restrictions on gun ownership, buying, or possessing under these laws.
Section § 17080
This law says that the definition and use of the word 'revolver' are specifically detailed in another part of the law, which is Section 16530.
Section § 17090
This law defines what a 'rifle' is for specific sections of the California Penal Code. A rifle is a shoulder-fired weapon that uses the explosive energy in a fixed cartridge to fire one projectile at a time through a spirally grooved barrel each time the trigger is pulled.
Section § 17110
A "secure facility" is defined as a building that adheres to specific security features: All entry doors must be either a solid steel security door or a metal door with reinforced windows. These doors must have a dead bolt and doorknob lock. Alternatively, a metal grate that is padlocked and separate from the door can be used.
Windows need to be covered with steel bars, and HVAC and service openings should have steel security measures or alarms. Metal grates and screens must have small openings to prevent easy access, ensuring bars are spaced no more than six inches apart.
Section § 17111
This section clarifies that the definition of 'secure facility' used for the relevant chapter in the law is determined by two other sections: 29141 and 29142. So, if you're looking at rules about a 'secure facility' in this context, those sections will tell you exactly what it means.
Section § 17125
In this section, the term 'Security Exemplar' is defined exactly as it is in a specific federal law, which is Section 922 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
Section § 17140
This law defines a 'semiautomatic pistol' as a type of pistol that uses the energy from firing a bullet to automatically eject the spent cartridge and load a new one each time the trigger is pulled.
Section § 17160
This law defines a 'shobi-zue' as any staff, crutch, stick, rod, or pole that hides a knife or blade inside, which can be revealed by flicking the wrist or using a mechanical action.
Section § 17170
This law defines what a 'short-barreled rifle' means in California. It includes rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches or an overall length under 26 inches. It also covers rifles altered to these dimensions, devices that can be modified or restored to meet these criteria, and parts intended to convert a device into such a rifle. If the parts to convert a device are owned or controlled by a person, this also falls under the definition.
Section § 17180
This law defines what qualifies as a 'short-barreled shotgun' in California. It includes shotguns with a barrel less than 18 inches long or an overall length of less than 26 inches. The definition also covers weapons made from shotguns that are altered to meet these size criteria and any device that can be reassembled into such a weapon. Additionally, it addresses parts intended to convert or assemble devices into short-barreled shotguns when those parts are with a person.
Section § 17190
This section defines what a "shotgun" is in the context of various laws. A shotgun is a shoulder-fired weapon that uses explosive energy from a shotgun shell to discharge either multiple small projectiles (like pellets) or a single projectile through a smooth barrel each time the trigger is pulled.
Section § 17200
This law defines a 'shuriken' as a weapon made from a metal plate with multiple sharp, radiating points, designed in various geometric shapes. It is specifically intended to be thrown as a weapon.
Section § 17210
This section defines a 'silencer' in legal terms. A silencer is any device or component meant to silence or reduce the noise of a firearm when it is fired. This includes not just complete silencers but also any parts or combinations of parts that are designed or used to build or assemble a silencer.
Section § 17220
This section specifies that the term “SKS rifle” should be understood according to the rules outlined in Section 30710.
Section § 17230
This law defines a "stun gun" as any device, other than a less lethal weapon, that is used or intended to be used for offense or defense by delivering an electrical charge to temporarily disable a person.
Section § 17235
Section § 17240
This section defines 'tear gas' as any substance, whether liquid, gas, or solid, that causes temporary discomfort or permanent injury when dispersed in the air. However, substances registered as economic poisons under specific agricultural laws are not regarded as tear gas, as long as they are not meant to harm people.
Section § 17250
This law defines what is considered a 'tear gas weapon' in California. It includes any shell, cartridge, or bomb that can release tear gas when discharged or exploded. It also covers any device like a revolver, pistol, or pen gun intended to project or release tear gas. The law excludes devices made and sold for use with regular firearm ammunition.
Section § 17270
An 'unconventional pistol' is defined as a firearm that lacks a rifled bore and either has a barrel shorter than 18 inches or an overall length under 26 inches.
Section § 17280
This law defines what qualifies as an "undetectable firearm." A weapon is considered undetectable if, without grips, stocks, and magazines, it is not as detectable as a standard model would be by a metal detector. Additionally, if any main part of the weapon cannot be properly seen through airport X-ray machines, it also qualifies as undetectable. These parts may be made with materials like barium sulfate to avoid detection.
Section § 17290
This section defines what an 'undetectable knife' is in California law. An undetectable knife is a commercially manufactured weapon that is designed for stabbing and capable of causing serious injury or death. It cannot be detected by standard metal detectors or magnetometers.
Section § 17295
This law clarifies when a handgun or other firearm is considered "unloaded" in California. A handgun is "unloaded" if it doesn't meet the definition of "loaded" as specified in another part of the law, Section 16840. Similarly, firearms that aren't handguns are also "unloaded" if they don't fit the criteria of "loaded" outlined in that same section.
Section § 17300
This law section refers to Section 31910 for the definition and regulation concerning the term 'unsafe handgun'.
Section § 17310
This law defines the term 'used firearm' as any gun that was sold to someone through a retail sale and is older than three years.
Section § 17312
This law defines what counts as a 'valid state or federal serial number or mark of identification' for firearms. It includes serial numbers imprinted by licensed federal entities or assigned under federal law, as well as those issued by the California Department of Justice.
Section § 17315
This law explains that in certain parts of the California Penal Code, when you see the term "vendor," it specifically refers to someone who sells ammunition.
Section § 17320
This section clarifies what is meant by "violent felony" in relation to Section 31360. It includes crimes listed in another section, subdivision (c) of Section 667.5, as well as similar crimes defined by the laws of other states or countries that match those crimes.
Section § 17330
This law defines a "wallet gun" as a firearm that is either fixed to or enclosed in something resembling a wallet. The key feature is that it can be fired while still inside the case and is designed to fit in a pocket or purse.
Section § 17340
This law defines a 'wholesaler' in the context of firearms. A wholesaler is someone licensed as a dealer under federal law who sells, transfers, or assigns firearms or their parts to licensed manufacturers, importers, or gunsmiths, or to those licensed within certain sections of California law. They may also assemble firearms from parts for the purpose of selling them. However, this definition does not include manufacturers, importers, or gunsmiths themselves if they're engaging in their licensed activities, nor does it cover those dealing only in non-frame parts like grips and stocks.
Section § 17350
This law defines a 'writing pen knife' as a device that looks like a pen but hides a sharp metallic point inside it. The point is meant for stabbing and can be revealed either by a mechanism, gravity, or by taking off the pen's cap.
Section § 17360
This section defines a "zip gun" as a weapon or device that meets four specific conditions. Firstly, it was not imported as a firearm by a licensed importer. Secondly, it was not originally designed as a firearm by a licensed manufacturer. Thirdly, no federal tax was paid on it, nor was it exempt from such tax. Lastly, it is capable of firing a projectile using explosion or combustion.