Is it legal in California?

California law is made up of the state constitution, statutes passed by the Legislature and voters, regulations written by state agencies, and local ordinances. The statutes are grouped into 29 codes, such as the Penal Code, Vehicle Code, Labor Code and Family Code. Federal law applies on top of all of it.

Start with the code that covers the activity: the Vehicle Code for driving, the Penal Code for crimes and weapons, the Labor Code for work. Then check for agency rules and city ordinances, which can add limits. Our guides do this for you and name the exact section, so the answer can be checked.

There is no single count, because California’s statutes run to tens of thousands of sections across 29 codes, and the Legislature adds and amends hundreds more every year. A better question is which code governs your situation, which is how our guides are organized.

Most bills passed in a regular session take effect on January 1 of the following year, under the California Constitution, article IV, section 8. Urgency measures take effect immediately when signed, and some laws set their own later start date. We track each year’s changes in California Legal News.

Not always. California often sets stricter rules than federal law, as with assault weapons, magazines, emissions and food additives. In other areas it is more permissive, such as adult cannabis use, which remains illegal federally. When the two conflict, a guide explains both.

Often, yes. Cities and counties can pass ordinances that add restrictions, such as local bans on cannabis stores, fireworks or short-term rentals, as long as state law does not preempt them. Our guides note the main city differences for Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose.