Weapons in CMVs - California

In California, concealed carry of a firearm is legal for adults aged 21 and older who are allowed under state and federal law to possess a firearm and who have a state Concealed Carry Weapons License (CCWL). A firearm may be transported in a private vehicle if the occupant has a CCWL. If the occupant does not have a CCWL, transport in a vehicle is allowed only if:

• The firearm is unloaded, within a motor vehicle, and locked in the vehicle’s trunk or in a locked container in the vehicle, OR
• The firearm is unloaded, carried directly to or from any motor vehicle, and, while carrying the firearm, the firearm is contained within a locked container.

Permits

Permits are issued by either the county sheriff’s office or local police station. For reciprocity, 28 states accept California concealed carry permits, but California does not honor permits from any other state.

Magazine capacity limits

California law limits magazine capacity to no more than 10 rounds. There is a stay on enforcement while this law is facing a court challenge (2025).

Other weapons

Weapons other than handguns allowed include pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person.

Permitted non-lethal weapons include:

• Stun guns/tasers
• Pepper spray (with restrictions)
• Tear gas
• Bear spray (legal for self-defense against wildlife)
• Less-lethal launchers (with restrictions)

Duty to inform

California state law does not require drivers to notify police of the presence of a concealed weapon during traffic stops or at weigh stations. Local jurisdictions may have different requirements.

Employee parking lots

California does not permit firearms to be stored in a private vehicle in an employee parking lot unless the business is a private business and there is clear signage indicating that firearms are permitted.