Home » Blog » Are laser sights legal in California?

Are laser sights legal in California?

Are Laser Sights Legal in California?

As a resident of California, you may be wondering if laser sights are legal in the state. The answer is not a simple yes or no. Laser sights are legal for use on firearms in California, but there are specific restrictions and requirements that must be followed.

Licensing Requirements

Bulk Ammo for Sale at Lucky Gunner

Before using a laser sight in California, you must obtain a Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC). To get an FSC, you must be at least 18 years old, not a convicted felon, and pass a written exam on firearms safety.

Here are the specific licensing requirements for laser sights in California:

Permits: No permit is required to possess or purchase a laser sight in California, but you must comply with the laws and regulations regarding the possession and use of laser sights.
Registration: Laser sights are not required to be registered with the California Department of Justice, but you must comply with the laws and regulations regarding the possession and use of laser sights.
Background Check: A background check is not required to purchase a laser sight in California, but you must comply with the laws and regulations regarding the possession and use of laser sights.

Federal Restrictions

While California law permits the possession and use of laser sights, there are federal restrictions that apply:

ATF Definition: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) defines a laser sight as a device that projects a laser beam for the purpose of illuminating the target area.
Import/Export Restrictions: The export of laser sights is subject to restrictions and regulations set by the ATF and the U.S. Department of State.
Civilian Ownership: Civilian ownership of laser sights is generally allowed, but there are specific restrictions and requirements that apply.

California Law Requirements

California law requires that laser sights meet specific safety and performance standards:

Certification: Laser sights must be certified by a third-party testing organization to ensure that they meet safety and performance standards.
Maximum Power: Laser sights are limited to a maximum power output of 5 milliwatts.
Wavelength: Laser sights are limited to a specific wavelength, typically in the red or green spectrum.
Intensity: Laser sights must be designed to prevent accidental activation and must not be more intense than necessary to perform their intended function.

Legal Considerations

It’s important to consider the legal implications of using a laser sight in California:

Illegal Use: Using a laser sight in a manner that is illegal or unauthorized can result in criminal charges and fines.
Illegal Possession: Possessing a laser sight without a valid Firearms Safety Certificate or other legal authorization can result in criminal charges and fines.
Legal Defenses: There are legal defenses available if you are charged with illegal possession or use of a laser sight, including asserting that you did not knowingly violate the law.

Penalties

If you violate California law regarding laser sights, you can face criminal charges and penalties:

Felony Charges: Possessing a laser sight without a valid Firearms Safety Certificate or using it in an illegal manner can result in felony charges, which carry a maximum penalty of up to four years in prison.
Misdemeanor Charges: Other violations of California law regarding laser sights can result in misdemeanor charges, which carry a maximum penalty of up to one year in county jail.

Conclusion

In conclusion, laser sights are legal for use on firearms in California, but there are specific licensing requirements and restrictions that must be followed. It’s important to understand California law and the legal implications of using a laser sight, and to ensure that you comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges and penalties.

Enhance Your Knowledge with Curated Videos on Guns and Accessories


Leave a Comment