California Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of California. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody Armor is legal with restrictions in California. However, California Penal Code Section 31360 makes it a felony for anyone convicted of a violent felony to own or possess body armor. Additionally, wearing body armor during the commission of a felony adds an additional sentencing enhancement under Penal Code Section 12022.
Ownership
Legal for civilians without felony convictions. California Penal Code § 31360 prohibits any person convicted of a violent felony (as defined in PC § 667.5) from purchasing, owning, or possessing body armor. This is broader than federal law, which only covers violent felonies — California's list of qualifying offenses is more extensive.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online to non-felons. No age restriction in statute, though some retailers voluntarily restrict sales to 18+. Retailers are not required to verify felon status.
Penalties
Felons possessing body armor face up to 3 years in state prison under PC § 31360, in addition to potential federal charges. Wearing body armor during the commission of a violent felony triggers enhanced sentencing under PC § 12022, adding 1-5 years to the underlying sentence.
Age Restriction
No state age restriction on purchase or possession.
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALCalifornia Penal Code § 21810 prohibits the possession, sale, or manufacture of brass knuckles. They are classified as a prohibited weapon and possession is a misdemeanor.
Possession
Illegal to possess, carry, or manufacture.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or transfer.
Penalties
Misdemeanor; up to 1 year in county jail and/or fine.
Age Restriction
None (possession itself is illegal).
Butterfly Knives
RESTRICTEDButterfly knives are legal to possess in California, but concealed carry is generally prohibited. In August 2023, the 9th U.S.
Possession
Legal to own at home
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell
Penalties
Carrying concealed may result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18+
California does not allow permitless concealed carry. A valid concealed carry permit issued by a local sheriff or police chief is required under California Penal Code § 25400. The state has strict requirements and does not recognize constitutional carry.
Permitless Carry Rules
Concealed carry without a permit is illegal; open carry is also heavily restricted.
Permit Availability
Firearm sales require background checks and are regulated under California law with additional restrictions.
Penalties
Unlawful concealed carry can result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
Minimum Age
21 years or older to purchase handguns
Flamethrowers
RESTRICTEDFlamethrowers require a permit from the State Fire Marshal in California. Civilian ownership is allowed with proper licensing.
Ownership
Legal with permit
Purchase
Legal with permit
Penalties
Possession without permit may result in fines.
Age Restriction
18+
Nunchucks
ILLEGALNunchucks are illegal to possess in California under state weapons laws.
Possession
Illegal
Sale & Purchase
Illegal
Penalties
Misdemeanor or felony weapons charges.
Age Restriction
N/A
Open Carry
ILLEGALOpen carry of firearms is generally prohibited in California. In January 2026, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Baird v.
Open Carry Rules
Illegal for most civilians
Permit Requirements
Firearms sales legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Criminal weapons charges for open carry violations.
Minimum Age
21+
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDCalifornia regulates pepper spray under Penal Code § 22810. Pepper spray containers must not exceed 2.5 ounces. Persons must be at least 18 years old to purchase or possess pepper spray. Use of pepper spray for any purpose other than self-defense is prohibited.
Carrying
Legal with container size limit of 2.5 ounces or less.
Purchase
Sale restricted to persons 18 and older.
Penalties
Illegal use or possession of larger containers can result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18+
Suppressors / Silencers
ILLEGALSuppressors are illegal to possess, sell, or manufacture in California under Penal Code § 33410. California classifies suppressors as illegal firearms and prohibits their possession except for law enforcement and certain government agencies.
Ownership (with NFA)
Illegal for civilians; only law enforcement exemptions.
Dealer Availability
Illegal to sell or transfer suppressors.
Penalties
Felony charges with imprisonment and fines under Penal Code § 33410.
Age Restriction
N/A due to illegality.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
RESTRICTEDCalifornia prohibits possession, sale, and manufacture of switchblades with blades longer than 2 inches under Cal. Penal Code §§ 17235 and 21510. Switchblades with blades 2 inches or less are legal to possess and sell.
Possession
Illegal to possess switchblades with blades over 2 inches; legal if 2 inches or less.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell switchblades with blades over 2 inches; legal if 2 inches or less.
Penalties
Misdemeanor punishable by fines and/or imprisonment up to one year.
Age Restriction
18+ to purchase
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDStun guns are legal for most adults in California with restrictions, including prohibitions for felons, those with prior assault convictions, and minors under 16 without parental consent. Carrying in prohibited locations like schools, airports, or government buildings is a criminal offense.
Ownership
Legal for eligible persons; illegal for felons, assault convicts, and minors under 16 without consent
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
Wobbler (misdemeanor or felony) for assault with stun gun; misdemeanor for carrying in prohibited locations such as schools, airports, or government buildings
Age Restriction
18+