California § 384 - Any person who shall wilfully refuse to immediately relinquish a party line when
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 384 — Any person who shall wilfully refuse to immediately relinquish a party line when, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 384. Any person who shall wilfully refuse to immediately relinquish a party line when
(a) Any person who shall wilfully refuse to immediately relinquish a party line when informed that such line is needed for an emergency call, and in fact such line is needed for an emergency call, to a fire department or police department or for medical aid or ambulance service, or any person who shall secure the use of a party line by falsely stating that such line is needed for an emergency call, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (b) âParty lineâ as used in this section means a subscribersâ line telephone circuit, consisting of two or more main telephone stations connected therewith, each station with a distinctive ring or telephone number. âEmergencyâ as used in this section means a situation in which property or human life is in jeopardy and the prompt summoning of aid is essential. (c) Every telephone directory hereafter published and distributed to the members of the general public in this State or in any portion thereof which lists the calling numbers of telephones of any telephone exchange located in this State shall contain a notice which explains the offense provided for in this section, such notice to be printed in type which is not smaller than any other type on the same page and to be preceded by the word âwarningâ printed in type at least as large as the largest type on the same page; provided, that the provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to those directories distributed solely for business advertising purposes, commonly known as classified directories, nor to any telephone directory heretofore distributed to the general public. Any person, firm or corporation providing telephone service which distributes or causes to be distributed in this State copies of a telephone directory which is subject to the provisions of this section and which do not contain the notice herein provided for shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 384
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 384 cover?
Section 384 ("Any person who shall wilfully refuse to immediately relinquish a party line when") 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 § 384?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 384" (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 § 384 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.