California § 12021.5 - Every person who carries a loaded or unloaded firearm on his or her person, or in
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 12021.5 — Every person who carries a loaded or unloaded firearm on his or her person, or in, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12021.5. Every person who carries a loaded or unloaded firearm on his or her person, or in
(a) Every person who carries a loaded or unloaded firearm on his or her person, or in a vehicle, during the commission or attempted commission of any street gang crimes described in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 186.22, shall, upon conviction of the felony or attempted felony, be punished by an additional term of imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for one, two, or three years in the courtâs discretion. The court shall impose the middle term unless there are circumstances in aggravation or mitigation. The court shall state the reasons for its enhancement choice on the record at the time of sentence. (b) Every person who carries a loaded or unloaded firearm together with a detachable shotgun magazine, a detachable pistol magazine, a detachable magazine, or a belt-feeding device on his or her person, or in a vehicle, during the commission or attempted commission of any street gang crimes described in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 186.22, shall, upon conviction of the felony or attempted felony, be punished by an additional term of imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years in the courtâs discretion. The court shall impose the middle term unless there are circumstances in aggravation or mitigation. The court shall state the reasons for its enhancement choice on the record at the time of sentence. (c) As used in this section, the following definitions shall apply: (1) âDetachable magazineâ means a device that is designed or redesigned to do all of the following: (A) To be attached to a rifle that is designed or redesigned to fire ammunition. (B) To be attached to, and detached from, a rifle that is designed or redesigned to fire ammunition. (C) To feed ammunition continuously and directly into the loading mechanism of a rifle that is designed or redesigned to fire ammunition. (2) âDetachable pistol magazineâ means a device that is designed or redesigned to do all of the following: (A) To be attached to a semiautomatic firearm that is not a rifle or shotgun that is designed or redesigned to fire ammunition. (B) To be attached to, and detached from, a firearm that is not a rifle or shotgun that is designed or redesigned to fire ammunition. (C) To feed ammunition continuously and directly into the loading mechanism of a firearm that is not a rifle or a shotgun that is designed or redesigned to fire ammunition. (3) âDetachable shotgun magazineâ means a device that is designed or redesigned to do all of the following: (A) To be attached to a firearm that is designed or redesigned to fire a fixed shotgun shell through a smooth or rifled bore. (B) To be attached to, and detached from, a firearm that is designed or redesigned to fire a fixed shotgun shell through a smooth bore. (C) To feed fixed shotgun shells continuously and directly into the loading mechanism of a firearm that is designed or redesigned to fire a fixed shotgun shell. (4) âBelt-feeding deviceâ means a device that is designed or redesigned to continuously feed ammunition into the loading mechanism of a machinegun or a semiautomatic firearm. (5) âRifleâ shall have the same meaning as specified in Section 17090. (6) âShotgunâ shall have the same meaning as specified in Section 17190. (d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2022.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 12021.5
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 12021.5 cover?
Section 12021.5 ("Every person who carries a loaded or unloaded firearm on his or her person, or in") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 12021.5?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 12021.5" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 12021.5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.