No, throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as “nunchaku” under California Penal Code § 22210, making their possession or use in public spaces a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a $1,000 fine. While not outright banned, their sale is restricted to licensed dealers, and open carry is prohibited under local ordinances like Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.08, which mirrors statewide enforcement trends.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in California
- Possession Restrictions: Penal Code § 22210 prohibits carrying shuriken in public unless transported unloaded in a locked container, with exceptions for law enforcement or licensed martial arts practitioners.
- Sale and Transfer: Dealers must comply with California Department of Justice regulations, including background checks and sales records, per AB 1191 (2023), which tightened oversight of bladed weapons.
- Local Ordinances: Cities like San Francisco and Oakland enforce additional prohibitions under municipal codes, such as SF Police Code § 1294, banning their use in public spaces or demonstrations.
Local agencies, including the California Bureau of Firearms, conduct periodic compliance audits, with 2026 marking a phase-in of enhanced digital tracking for restricted weapons transactions. Violations may trigger enhanced penalties under recent amendments to Penal Code § 29800, which classifies shuriken as “deadly weapons” when used in commission of a crime.