Are Nunchucks Legal in California?
Last checked Nov 13, 2026: California's statewide nunchaku ban ended Jan 1, 2022, when SB 827 took effect. Possession is no longer a state crime, but city and county rules were not checked.
State ban ended 2022
Last updated: · By Mason Martinez
The statutes
Owning and carrying: the short version
- According to secondary sources, California banned nunchaku in 1974, first under former Penal Code § 12020 (renumbered as § 22010 in 2012). Possession could be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, with an exception for martial-arts schools.
- SB 827 (Chapter 434, Statutes of 2021) was signed Sept 30, 2021 and took effect Jan 1, 2022. It repealed the ban, and Penal Code § 22296 now governs nunchaku.
- Local ordinances (for example, Los Angeles) were not checked, so check your city and county code too.
Local rules
Cities and counties can have their own weapons rules. Check your local code before you buy or carry.
Invoice request for California, Alaska and Hawaii
If you live in California, Alaska or Hawaii, you can request an invoice for a 9" set. This is a request, not a purchase.
FAQ
Are nunchucks still illegal in California?
Not under state law. SB 827 repealed California's nunchaku ban effective January 1, 2022. City and county rules can differ and were not checked here.
How long were nunchucks banned in California?
Secondary sources date the ban to 1974. It stayed in place until SB 827 took effect on January 1, 2022.
Which California law covers nunchucks now?
Penal Code § 22296, added when SB 827 repealed the old ban in former § 22010.
Not legal advice. This page is general educational information, not legal advice. I'm not an attorney. City, county, tribal, federal, and private-property rules can be stricter than state law, and laws change. Check the current statute and talk to a licensed attorney in your area if you have questions.
Every state, in one book
This page is a short summary. For all 50 states, D.C., and the U.S. territories, see Nunchaku Laws.
Book 2 in the Nunchaku Mastery series
Nunchaku LawsA 50-State Guide to Possession, Carry, and Self-Defense Law, Plus D.C. and U.S. Territories
Paperback, 204 pages. A Kindle ebook version is also available.
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