The California Dangerous Weapons Control Law regulates the use of imitation firearms like this one.
Like any weapon, Airsoft guns are subject to laws and regulations regarding their storage, use and transportation. Due to the high resemblance between Airsoft replica weapons and real weapons, along with the damage that Airsoft weapons can inflict, owners of Airsoft guns should familiarize themselves with the legislation regarding their weaponry. In California, the law considers Airsoft weapons to be both BB devices and imitation firearms under the 2008 Dangerous Weapons Control Law, therefore all the portions of the law that apply to BB guns or imitation firearms also apply to Airsoft weapons.
Transfer to Minors
California law regulates the manner in which minors can acquire and utilize BB devices, a category that includes Airsoft weapons. Section 12551 of the Dangerous Weapons Control Law states, "Every person who sells to a minor any BB device is guilty of a misdemeanor." Section 12552 expands on that, defining any transfer or loan of a BB device to a minor "without the express or implied permission of the parent or legal guardian of the minor" as a misdemeanor.
Coloration and Warnings
As imitation weapons, the maker must color Airsoft guns in such a way to distinguish them from real firearms. Under section 12553, anyone who alters an imitation weapon so it more closely resembles a real weapon, or any manufacturer, importer, or distributor who fails to mark the imitation weapon properly, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Section 12553 mandates that an advisory go out with imitation weaponry sold in the state to tell the consumer about the contents of section 12553.
Public Display
California's laws about the open display of firearms in public places also apply to Airsoft guns. Section 12556 explains that in a public place, defined as "an area open to the public," anyone who displays or exposes an imitation firearm risks a fine of $100 for the first offense, $300 for the second, and will face a misdemeanor charge for the third offense. The law does not apply when the weapon is in its package, or predominantly "white, bright red, bright orange, bright yellow, bright green, bright blue, bright pink, or bright purple." The law also does not apply to weapons used in a certified or regulated athletic competition, lawful hunting or pest control, a theatrical production, or other permitted activities.
Tags: Airsoft guns, Airsoft weapons, Dangerous Weapons, Dangerous Weapons Control, imitation firearms, Weapons Control
