California laws by category

Only "safe and sane" fireworks — those examined, tested and registered by the State Fire Marshal and carrying its seal — may be sold or used, and then only in cities and counties that allow them; many California jurisdictions ban all consumer fireworks (Health & Safety Code §§ 12529, 12541, 12671). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

California requires a permit to carry concealed, and the minimum age is 21. The permit is a CCW; the state is shall-issue post-Bruen, applying objective standards, and there are broad restrictions on sensitive places.

California is not a control state: all three — beer, wine and spirits — are sold at grocery, convenience, drug and liquor stores holding an off-sale general license. Spirits are widely available in supermarkets.

Radar detectors are legal in passenger vehicles — California has no state ban on them. Rules against blocking your view through the windshield may still apply to where you mount it.

In California, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16. Licenses are issued by the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

California's statewide base sales and use tax rate is 7.25%; counties, cities, and special districts may add district taxes ranging from 0.10% to 2.00%, so the total rate varies by location.

Recreational cannabis is legal in California for adults 21 and older (Prop 64, 2016), and medicinal use is allowed at 18 and older with a recommendation. It is regulated by the Department of Cannabis Control.

California does not require hunters to wear hunter orange: CDFW's 2026-2027 mammal hunting regulations and its waterfowl, upland game and department-lands regulations contain no hunter-orange or fluorescent-clothing rule. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

California has no legal sports betting, retail or online — Props 26 and 27 failed in Nov 2022. The next realistic window is viewed as 2028.

California requires every motorized-vessel operator to have a California Boater Card, effective January 1, 2025, and to carry it on board. To operate a vessel with a motor of 15 hp or more, including a PWC, a person must be 16 or older; ages 12 to 15 only with an onboard supervisor 18 or older who holds the card.

Switchblades with a blade 2 inches or longer are illegal to carry on the person, keep in a vehicle in public, or sell (Cal. Penal Code 21510).

California Civil Code 1708.8 imposes civil liability for entering another's airspace (incl. by drone) to capture images of private activity without consent.