Yes, blank firing guns are legal in California if they comply with state and local firearm laws, including restrictions on imitation firearms and concealed carry prohibitions. California’s Department of Justice mandates that blank-firing devices resemble real firearms only if intended for theatrical or instructional use, subject to annual registration under Penal Code § 20165. Local ordinances, such as those enforced by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Firearms Bureau, further regulate their display in public spaces to prevent confusion with live firearms. Failure to adhere to these provisions may result in misdemeanor charges or confiscation under AB 1594 (2023), which expanded penalties for improperly displayed imitation firearms.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in California
- Penal Code § 20165 Registration Requirement: All blank-firing guns must be registered annually with the DOJ if designed to resemble a real firearm, with violations punishable by fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
- Local Ordinance Compliance: Cities like San Francisco and Oakland impose additional restrictions on public display, requiring permits for theatrical use and prohibiting open carry in high-traffic areas under Municipal Codes 5-12 and 9-34, respectively.
- AB 1594 (2023) Imitation Firearm Prohibitions: Blank-firing guns cannot be displayed in a manner that could reasonably be mistaken for a live firearm in public, with law enforcement empowered to seize non-compliant devices under this statute.