Confused over California’s new gun laws? Here’s when they take effect
Between state legislation and voter-approved ballot initiatives, 2016 saw passage of sweeping new gun regulations in California. Taken together, the new laws will add a host of restrictions for California’s more than 6 million gun owners, from where you buy your ammunition to how you store your guns and who can borrow them.
Some of the new restrictions take effect at the start of 2017. Others are staggered over the next two years. Here’s your guide to California’s new era of gun ownership.
Dates California gun laws take effect
Theft/loss reporting | |
When it becomes a crime to falsely report a firearm has been lost or stolen | Jan. 1 |
Start date for requirement that theft or loss of a firearm must be reported to law enforcement within five days | July 1 |
Lending firearms | |
When it becomes illegal, with limited exceptions, to loan guns to anyone outside of immediate family members | Jan. 1 |
Large-capacity magazine restrictions | |
When it becomes illegal, with limited exceptions, to possess magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds | July 1 |
Assault weapon restrictions | |
Start date for the new definition of “assault weapon” | Jan. 1 |
Deadline to register a newly designated assault weapon with the state | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Restrictions on home-built “ghost guns” and guns without serial numbers | |
Start date for requirement that you get state permission before manufacturing or assembling a firearm | July 1, 2018 |
Deadline to place a serial number on any unmarked firearm possessed after July 1, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Ammunition restrictions | |
Start date for requirement that ammunition sales or transfers be conducted through a licensed ammunition vendor | Jan. 1, 2018 |
When you no longer can import ammunition bought outside the state without first shipping it to a licensed vendor | Jan. 1, 2018 |
Start date for requirement that Californians undergo background checks to buy ammunition | July 1, 2019 |
Handgun storage law | |
Start date for requirement that handguns be stored in a locked container or locked trunk when left in an unattended vehicle | Jan. 1 |
Sources: Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Legislative Analyst’s Office, California legal codes.
This story was originally published December 30, 2016 at 1:38 PM with the headline "Confused over California’s new gun laws? Here’s when they take effect."