Sex

Guide to Laws about Sex and Sexual Activity in Los Angeles

Female crime victim
Most sex-related laws are made at the state level, so be sure to read our Guide to Laws about Sex in California.

If you are a victim of a crime, see our Victims Rights page.

Public nudity

Is it illegal to simply be naked in public?

It’s complicated, and it varies by city.

In the city of Los Angeles, if nothing else, it is often considered “disturbance of the peace”1Penal Code 415 to walk around naked in public. But it could also be considered lewd conduct or indecent exposure (see above). Also, in public parks and beaches, it is explicitly illegal to:

appear, bathe, sunbathe, walk or be in any public park, playground, beach or the waters adjacent thereto, in such a manner that the genitals, vulva, pubis, pubic symphysis, pubic hair, buttock, natal cleft, perineum, anus, anal region, or pubic hair region of any such person, or any portion of the breast at or below the upper edge of the areola thereof of any such female person, is exposed to public view or is not covered by an opaque covering.2LAMC 63.44(B)(20)
But this particular ordinance does not apply to children under the age of 10 years, or to live theatrical performances performed in a theater, concert hall, or other similar establishment located on public land.

Exercise Your Rights


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