Guide to Laws About Weapons in Los Angeles

You have a right to own a firearm for lawful purposes (like self defense), and the government may not unnecessarily restrict this right. However, like most rights, the right to own a firearm is NOT absolute, and the government may place SOME restrictions on it.¹U.S. Constitution, 2nd amendment; DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA v. HELLER (2008)
478 F. 3d 370

California and Los Angeles have some of the strongest gun control laws in the country, which we list here. And because of the unfortunate frequent mass shootings, particularly school shootings, gun laws in California are getting stricter.

For constitutional issues and laws for other states, see our Guide to Laws about Weapons in the U.S.

1. Who may not own or possess a firearm?

Throughout the country, you may not own or possess any kind of gun if you²U.S. Code Title 18, Section 922(g):

• have been convicted of a felony³crime that involves possible punishment of more than 1 year or any crime involving domestic violence
• are a fugitive from justice
• illegally use any drug or are addicted to any drug
• have been determined by a court to be mentally ill or have been committed to a mental institution
• are not a citizen or legal permanent resident (in other words, you must either be a citizen or have a green card to own a firearm; but see exceptions)
• have been dishonorably discharged from the military
• renounced your American citizenship
• are subject to a restraining order related to an intimate partner and/or partner’s child

In California, you are banned from owning any kind of gun if:

• You are under 21 years old
• You have been convicted of a serious domestic violence charge
• You have been hospitalized twice in a 1 year period for mental health issues

In addition, if you have been convicted of certain misdemeanors, or convicted of a hate crime, you may not own or possess a firearm within 10 years of the conviction.⁴AB 785 codified at Section 29805 of the Penal Code

2. Handguns

What are the rules on handguns in the City of Los Angeles?

• You may not carry (have on your person) or fire a firearm within the city of LA unless you have a permit from the Board of Police Commissioners.⁵LAMC Sec 55.00, 55.01
• Permits must be renewed every year.⁶LAMC 55.02
• You may not purchase more than one handgun within a 30 day period.⁷LAMC 55.14
• Firearms are not allowed in L.A. City parks.⁸LAMC 63.44 B 21

Can someone carry a concealed gun?

To carry a concealed gun, you must have a “concealed gun” permit. To get such a permit, you must undergo at least 8 hours of training.

3. Long guns

What are the rules on long guns in California?

• Whenever a “long gun” is transferred through a dealer it will automatically be registered to the receiving individual⁹Cal. Penal Code 11106 and 28160
• For transactions that do not require a dealer, the recipient of the long gun will need to register it with the California Department of Justice¹⁰see generally Cal Penal Code Sec. 27860-28000

4. Assault weapons

Are assault weapons banned in California?

Yes. It is illegal to possess, manufacture, sell, buy, or give away any large-capacity or high-capacity magazine.¹¹Cal Penal Code Sec. 32310

Is a “bullet button” firearm considered an assault weapon?

Yes.¹²Section 30515 of the Penal Code

5. Threats of violence

What are the consequences for a person who threatens violence?

A person who communicates serious threats of physical violence against an identifiable victim to a psychotherapist is prohibited from owning and possessing firearms for 5 years.  The psychotherapist is required to report the threat to law enforcement within 24 hours.  A person prohibited this way may petition for the restoration of their firearm rights.¹³California Welfare and Institutions Code sections 8100 and 8105

As of Jan 1, 2016, family members or law enforcement are able to get a court order to take a person’s guns away if that person is deemed to be a threat to themselves or others.¹⁴California Penal Code starting at Section 18100 This is sometimes called a “red flag law.”

6. Other rules for firearms

Is a potential gun buyer required to get a background check?

California provides for “universal background checks,” which means that for any type of sale or transaction of a firearm, the potential buyer must pass a background check.

Am I obligated to safeguard firearms at my house in a particular way?

Yes. In California it is a crime to keep any loaded firearm within any premises that are under your control and you know or reasonably should know that a child (any person under 18) is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the child’s parent and the child brings it to a public place or other place that is unlawful to have such a weapon,¹⁵Penal Code 25100(b) or causes injury to himself, herself, or any other person.¹⁶Penal Code 25100(a), (b) This is called “criminal storage of firearm.”

This does not apply if the firearm is kept in a locked container or locked with a locking device that has rendered the firearm inoperable.¹⁷Penal Code 25105

Is it illegal to bring a firearm to or near a school?

Yes, it is illegal to carry any gun into a school zone, with some exceptions.¹⁸Section 626.9 of the Penal Code

Is it illegal to loan a gun to a family member?

You must do a background check on your family member before you loan them your gun.

Do I need a background check to purchase ammunition?

Yes, and you must present ID. And you will be entered into a database of ammunition owners.

Is it illegal to possess a magazine that holds more than 10 bullets?

Yes.

Do I need to register my “ghost gun” or 3-D printed gun?

Yes, and you must obtain a serial number from the California Department of Justice.¹⁹Penal Code 29180

Are “bump stocks” illegal?

Bump stocks, or multi-burst trigger devices, are illegal in California.

7. Other weapons

Switchblades: it is illegal to make, sell, distribute, or possess a switchblade throughout the country, with some exceptions.²⁰exceptions relate to the Armed Forces or individuals with only one arm; see 15 USC Sections 1242-44

Flamethrowers: not necessarily used as a weapon, but certainly could be. In California you can buy and use a flamethrower that shoots flames a distance of less than 10 feet, no permit or anything required. For flamethrowers that shoot at least 10 feet, you must get a permit.²¹Health & Safety Code Sec 12750-12761 State lawmakers are considering additional regulations on flamethrowers that shoot less than 10 feet.

Rules specific to City of LA:

• You may not carry a knife (with at least 3″ blade) in public unless it is concealed. This does NOT apply where a person is wearing or carrying a knife or dagger for use in a lawful occupation, for lawful recreational purposes, or as a recognized religious practice, or while the person is traveling to or returning from participation in such activity.²²LAMC 55.10
• You may not use a bow and arrow, including crossbow, within the city of LA, except at an established target range.²³LAMC Sec 55.06

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