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California legal term

firearm safety device in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “firearm safety 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 “firearm safety device” mean in California criminal law?

“firearm safety device” means a device other than a gun safe that locks and is designed to prevent children and unauthorized users from firing a firearm. (Cal. Penal Code § 16540)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.