Firearms in Los Angeles, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Los Angeles or are thinking about moving there, firearms are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Los Angeles has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of firearms, and some of them might surprise you.

Local Firearms Preemption

California Penal Code section 53071 preempts almost all local firearm regulation, so Los Angeles cannot license or restrict gun ownership beyond state law. Narrow zoning, storage, and sensitive-place rules survive.

Key details: Preemption statute: Penal Code section 53071. LA registration: Not allowed. Sensitive places: Per SB-2, statewide. City zoning of dealers: Permitted.

Violations of state firearms law are misdemeanors or felonies under the Penal Code; LA can prosecute discharge or storage breaches but cannot add registration penalties.

The rules around local firearms preemption in Los Angeles lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Concealed Carry

Penal Code section 25400 prohibits carrying a concealed firearm without a CCW. Los Angeles residents apply through the LA County Sheriff under shall-issue rules following Bruen, but SB-2 sensitive-place limits apply citywide.

Key details: Permit issuer: LA County Sheriff or LAPD. Statute: Penal Code 25400, 26150. Training: Minimum 16 hours required. Sensitive places: Per Penal Code 26230.

Carrying concealed without a permit is a misdemeanor under Penal Code section 25400, punishable by up to one year jail and fines, and a felony with aggravating factors.

This is one of the stricter rules in Los Angeles's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Firearms in Vehicles

California Penal Code sections 25400 and 25610 require firearms transported by vehicle in Los Angeles to be unloaded, with handguns inside a locked container or trunk. Long guns must be unloaded but can ride in the cabin if encased.

Key details: Handgun storage: Unloaded, locked container. Long-gun storage: Unloaded, encased OK. Statute (handgun): Penal Code 25610. Loaded ban: Penal Code 25850.

Loaded or accessible firearms in a vehicle without a CCW are misdemeanors under Penal Code section 25400 or 25850, with up to one year jail and possible felony charging if priors exist.

This is one of the stricter rules in Los Angeles's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Open Carry

California bans open carry of handguns under Penal Code section 26350 and openly carried unloaded long guns in incorporated areas under section 26400. Los Angeles is fully incorporated, so open carry is illegal everywhere in the city.

Key details: Handgun open-carry ban: Penal Code 26350. Long-gun open-carry ban: Penal Code 26400. Loaded carry ban: Penal Code 25850. City coverage: Entire city, fully incorporated.

Open carry is a misdemeanor under Penal Code section 26350 or 26400, punishable by up to one year jail and fines; loaded open carry under section 25850 carries equivalent penalties.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Los Angeles actively enforces its open carry requirements.

The Bottom Line

Los Angeles is tougher than many cities when it comes to firearms. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Los Angeles, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Los Angeles can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.