How can you legally carry a gun in your car in California?

Can I have my gun in my car without a concealed carry permit in California?

Rules for Concealed Carry Permit Holders (CCW)

Without a CCW permit, carrying a loaded firearm in your car is illegal and may result in criminal charges.

Where can I keep my gun in my car in California?

Pursuant to California Penal Code section 25610, a United States citizen over 18 years of age who is not prohibited from firearm possession, and who resides or is temporarily in California, may transport by motor vehicle any handgun provided it is unloaded and locked in the vehicle's trunk or in a locked container.

Is it a felony to have a loaded gun in your car in California?

Penalties

Without additional factors, carrying a loaded firearm is a misdemeanor that is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. This offense is a felony that is punishable by up to three years in prison if any of the following aggravating factors exist: The defendant has felony or a firearm conviction.

Can you take someone else's gun to the range in California?

This is generally fine, and it does happen frequently. For instance, a father may loan his child a gun to teach him or her how to shoot at the range. A friend may loan another friend a firearm so that they can go on a hunting trip together. There are many examples of this and it doesn't necessarily violate any laws.

Can I have a gun in my hotel room in California?

​Carry and Transport of Firearms

California does not honor any non-resident concealed firearm permits and they do not issue non-resident permits. Open and concealed carry is exempted in your home or your business, including hotel room (temporary residence) (25605), or campsites (25550).

What is the new gun law in California?

California has recently passed several new gun laws effective in 2025 and 2026, tightening restrictions on ghost guns, firearm parts like barrels, expanding gun violence restraining orders, and addressing machine-gun convertible pistols, with measures including mandatory dealer transfers for some parts (AB 1263/SB 704), a ban on certain Glock models (AB 1127), a purchase limit (AB 1078), and enhanced secure storage rules (SB 53), though some measures face legal challenges.
 

What happens if you carry a gun without a CCW in California?

Carrying a Concealed Firearm Without a Permit

A misdemeanor conviction carries up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine, while a felony conviction—which applies if you have prior offenses or gang-related enhancements—can result in up to three years in state prison.

Is it a felony to carry a gun without a license in California?

Carrying a concealed gun is typically a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or $1,000. Though if you were not in lawful possession of the gun, or if you were in a street gang, then violating 25400 PC becomes a felony carrying 16 months, two years, or three years in jail and/or up to $10,000.

What happens if you don't register your gun in California?

In California, possessing an unregistered firearm is often a "wobbler" offense, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, leading to penalties like up to 3 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, and a lifetime ban on owning firearms, with misdemeanor penalties typically being up to a year in jail and $1,000 in fines, but increasing significantly for felonies or repeat offenders. The severity depends on factors like prior offenses, the type of firearm (e.g., ghost guns), and if it's used in another crime, potentially escalating to a felony. 

What weapons can I legally carry in California?

Generally, most adults 21 years and older can buy, own, and possess lawful firearms (like handguns and shotguns).

• Certain assault weapons are unlawful in California.
• Swiss army knives are lawful in California.
• California has a “castle doctrine” law.
• Tasers and stun guns are non-lethal weapons (with rare exceptions).

How many guns are you legally allowed to own in California?

As with most places in the United States, there is no limit to the number of guns an individual may own in the State of California. There are other restrictions in place to prevent people from quickly amassing an arsenal, however. For example, you may only purchase one handgun every 30 days in California.

Did California ban glocks?

No, Glocks aren't completely banned in California, but a new law (AB 1127) signed in 2025 prohibits licensed dealers from selling most Glock-style handguns (and similar models with a "cruciform trigger bar") starting July 1, 2026, due to their ease of conversion into machine guns with "switches". Current owners can keep them, and private party transfers (PPTs) remain legal, but new sales of these specific models by dealers cease after the effective date, with exceptions for law enforcement and potentially redesigned models.
 

Can I keep a loaded gun at home in California?

You may be guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony if you keep a loaded firearm within any premises that are under your custody or control and a child under 18 years of age obtains and uses it, resulting in injury or death, or carries it to a public place, unless you stored the firearm in a locked container or locked the ...

Do I have to tell my landlord I have a gun?

“Most states have not made a decision whether or not to attempt to prohibit the constitutional rights of a citizen who wants to have a weapon in their rental unit for their own protection. What that means is that leaves it up to the private landlord to make a decision about their own property,” he said.

Can you carry a firearm hiking in California?

It is generally illegal to open carry guns in the California State Parks system as well as in federal parks located in California. Outside of parks, it is also generally illegal to open carry guns while hiking. Though there may be exceptions depending on if you are in a small county and licensed to open carry.

What is the 200 rule for camping?

The "200 rule" in camping generally refers to the Leave No Trace principle of camping at least 200 feet (about 70-80 adult steps) away from water sources (lakes, streams, rivers) and often also away from trails, to protect fragile vegetation and wildlife access, though specific regulations vary by land management agency (Forest Service, NPS, etc.) and area. It's a key guideline for dispersed camping, alongside rules to stay 1/4 mile from trailheads, shelters, and roads in sensitive areas. 

Can I use a knife to defend myself in California?

Self-defense with knives

California law permits you to use legal knives in self-defense or defense of others as long as: you reasonably fear immediate bodily harm, and. you use proportional force to deflect the threat.

Where can I not carry a gun in California?

In California, carrying a concealed weapon in state government buildings and offices is generally prohibited. This includes state courthouses, the State Capitol, and other state-owned properties. These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of government employees and the public visiting these facilities.

Can an intruder sue if you shoot them?

Yes, a burglar can sue you even if you shoot them in self-defense, and some do win civil suits, but it depends heavily on your state's laws and whether your use of force was deemed "reasonable" and proportionate to the threat, meaning you can't intentionally trap them or use excessive force, though legal outcomes vary significantly. While criminal charges focus on justifying your actions as self-defense, civil suits focus on your liability, meaning even if you're cleared criminally, you could still be found negligent in a civil case if your actions were seen as unreasonable, such as shooting a fleeing burglar in the back.