Penal Code section 653.1

(a)

No person or group shall release, outdoors, balloons made of electrically conductive material and filled with a gas lighter than air, as part of a public or civic event, promotional activity, or product advertisement.

(b)

Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100). Any person who violates this section who has been previously convicted twice of violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(c)

This section shall not apply to manned hot air balloons, or to balloons used in governmental or scientific research projects.

Source: Section 653.1, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=653.1. (updated Jan. 1, 2019; accessed Jun. 25, 2025).

Up to date

Verified:
Jun. 30, 2025

§ 653.1's source at ca.gov

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Location: https://california.public.law/codes/penal_code_section_653.1

Original Source: Section 653.1, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=653.1. (last accessed May 12, 2025).