Penal Code section 23640

(a)

(1)The packaging of any firearm and any descriptive materials that accompany any firearm sold or transferred in this state, or delivered for sale in this state, by any licensed manufacturer or licensed dealer, shall bear a label containing the following warning statement:
WARNING
Firearms must be handled responsibly and securely stored to prevent access by children and other unauthorized users. California has strict laws pertaining to firearms, and you may be fined or imprisoned if you fail to comply with them. Visit the website of the California Attorney General at https://oag.ca.gov/firearms for information on firearm laws applicable to you and how you can comply.
Prevent child access by always keeping guns locked away and unloaded when not in use. If you keep a loaded firearm where a child obtains and improperly uses it, you may be fined or sent to prison.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the national suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

(2)

A yellow triangle containing an exclamation mark shall appear immediately before the word “Warning” on the label.

(b)

If the firearm is sold or transferred without accompanying packaging, the warning label or notice shall be affixed to the firearm itself by a method to be prescribed by regulation of the Attorney General.

(c)

The warning statement required under subdivisions (a) and (b) shall satisfy both of the following requirements:

(1)

It shall be displayed in its entirety on the principal display panel of the firearm’s package, and on any descriptive materials that accompany the firearm.

(2)

It shall be displayed in both English and Spanish, in conspicuous and legible type in contrast by typography, layout, or color with other printed matter on that package or descriptive materials, in a manner consistent with Section 1500.121 of Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or successor regulations thereto.

(3)

This section shall become operative on June 1, 2020.

Source: Section 23640, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=23640.­ (accessed May 10, 2025).

Last Updated

May 10, 2025

§ 23640’s source at ca​.gov