California § 8838 - The direct contractor or the direct contractor
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 8838 — The direct contractor or the direct contractor, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8838. The direct contractor or the direct contractor
(a) The direct contractor or the direct contractorâs surety, or a subcontractor or a subcontractorâs surety, is not liable for delay or damage that the owner or a contractor of a subcontractor may suffer as a result of the direct contractor giving a stop work notice and subsequently stopping work for nonpayment, if the notice and posting requirements of this article are satisfied. (b) A direct contractorâs or original subcontractorâs liability to a subcontractor or material supplier after the direct contractor stops work under this article is limited to the amount the subcontractor or material supplier could otherwise recover under this title for work provided up to the date the subcontractor or material supplier ceases work, subject to the following exceptions: (1) The direct contractorâs or original subcontractorâs liability continues for work provided up to and including the 10-day notice period and not beyond. (2) This subdivision does not limit liability for custom work, including materials that have been fabricated, manufactured, or ordered to specifications that are unique to the job.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 8838
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 8838 cover?
Section 8838 ("The direct contractor or the direct contractor") 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 § 8838?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 8838" (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 § 8838 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.