California § 133 - Except in case of emergency imperiling life or property, or unavoidable accident,

Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 133 — Except in case of emergency imperiling life or property, or unavoidable accident,, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 133. Except in case of emergency imperiling life or property, or unavoidable accident,

(a) Except in case of emergency imperiling life or property, or unavoidable accident, collision, or stranding, or as otherwise permitted by law, it is unlawful and constitutes a misdemeanor for a person to discharge, or suffer the discharge of, oil by any methods, means, or manner, into or upon the navigable waters of the state from any vessel using oil as fuel for the generation of propulsion power, or any vessel carrying or having oil in excess of that necessary for its lubricating requirements, and as may be required under the laws and prescribed rules and regulations of the United States and this state. (b) As used in this section, the term “oil” means oil of any kind or in any form, including fuel oil, oil sludge, and oil refuse, and the term, “navigable waters of the state,” means all portions of the sea within the territorial jurisdiction of the state, and all inland waters navigable in fact in which the tide ebbs and flows. (c) A person found guilty of a misdemeanor violation of this section shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six months, or both that fine and imprisonment.

Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About California § 133

What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 133 cover?

Section 133 ("Except in case of emergency imperiling life or property, or unavoidable accident,") 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 § 133?

A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 133" (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 § 133 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.