No, nunchucks are illegal in California under Penal Code § 22210, classified as “generally prohibited weapons.” Local law enforcement, including the Los Angeles Police Department, enforces this ban strictly, with no exceptions for martial arts practitioners. Violations may result in misdemeanor charges, fines up to $1,000, or imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Nunchucks in California
- Penal Code § 22210 explicitly bans the possession, sale, or use of nunchucks statewide, with no grandfathered exemptions.
- Local ordinances (e.g., San Francisco Municipal Code § 129) reinforce state law, criminalizing even ceremonial or training use in public spaces.
- 2026 compliance shifts under the California Department of Justice’s “Prohibited Weapons Initiative” mandate stricter enforcement, including mandatory background checks for antique dealers selling replica nunchucks.
Possession for lawful martial arts instruction remains prohibited unless explicitly licensed by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Courts have consistently upheld convictions under § 22210, rejecting claims of cultural or historical significance. Antique nunchucks (pre-1900) may avoid confiscation if documented via BSIS-approved appraisal, but sale or transfer remains illegal.