California legal term
Incendiary device in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Incendiary 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 “Incendiary device” mean in California criminal law?
“Incendiary device” means a device that is constructed or designed to start an incendiary fire by remote, delayed, or instant means, but no device commercially manufactured primarily for the purpose of illumination shall be deemed to be an incendiary device for the purposes of this section. (Cal. Penal Code § 453)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.