California legal term
destructive device in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “destructive device” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “destructive device” mean in California criminal law?
“destructive device” includes any of the following weapons: (1) Any projectile containing any explosive or incendiary material or any other chemical substance, including, but not limited to, that which is commonly known as tracer or incendiary ammunition, except tracer ammunition manufactured for use in shotguns. (Cal. Penal Code § 16460)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.