Last Updated on September 12, 2024
Whether moving to California from another state or just visiting, it’s important to know that there are some things you simply can’t take with you into the Golden State. These things include certain types of pets, foods and weapons. While these items may be legal in the U.S. in general, the fact that they are against the law in California means that smuggling them across the border can result in criminal charges -though most people caught with these items will instead just have them confiscated at the border or be denied entry to the state.
Importing Animals into California
California has some of the nation’s most strict laws regarding what animals a person may keep as a pet. Large exotic animals, such as tigers and bears are illegal to keep domestically, as are smaller animals like ferrets that could present a threat to the local wildlife. Cats and dogs can be freely brought across the border, although it’s advisable to bring a copy of your dog’s rabies certificate when traveling.
While livestock is legal, it must be tracked, so those importing cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and chickens need to be prepared with health certificates and information on the animal’s owner and destination.
Taking an illegal animal into California is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail, though most people won’t face criminal charges. In most cases, they will simply lose custody of the animal or be asked to leave the state with their pet.
Smuggling Agricultural Items
Taking in some plants, including fruits and vegetables is also against the law. That’s because the state is trying to protect its agricultural industry from potentially dangerous pathogens. This is why bringing any type of citrus fruit into California is illegal since the citrus industry is so major here, but pests and diseases could easily ravage lime, lemon, orange, grapefruit and other citrus trees.
In most cases when it comes to fruits and vegetables though, whether you can bring in specific edible crops will vary based on its origin. For example, Oregon cherries are out, but cherries from Arizona are OK, and figs from most locations are fine -with the exception of parts of Florida or Puerto Rico.
As for whole plants, it’s legal to bring in houseplants, but only if they have been grown in your home, are pathogen free and are grown in a sterile, packaged commercial soil -not soil from your yard as it could contain pathogens. Citrus trees are still illegal even when grown under those conditions and certain trees, such as pines and oaks are subject to state and federal quarantine rules.
Most people who are caught trying to take these agricultural products across state lines will just have their items confiscated and be sent on their way -but it is possible to face charges for attempting to illegally smuggle agricultural items into California. This generally only happens if someone goes out of their way to break the law by trying to go through back roads or hide items in secret compartments, for example. Smuggling illegal agricultural items across the California border can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor and is punishable fines upwards of $10,000 as well as jail or prison time.
Taking Illegal Weapons into California
Like certain animals, California is very strict about what weapons can legally be brought into the state. Switchblade knives, billy clubs, brass knuckles, throwing stars, hidden knives and more are against the law. While stun guns, tasers and pepper spray are legal, they must conform to state laws.
It is legal to take a firearm into the state as long as the weapon itself is legal under state law, however the gun must be registered, sold or transferred to a licensed dealer within 60 days of entry. The weapon must also be stored unloaded in a locked compartment within your vehicle, aside from the glove box. California has bans and restrictions on high capacity firearms, so it is important to understand those laws before bringing firearms into California by any method, including shipping.
The charges for taking an illegal weapon into California will vary based on the item and the specific circumstances. In cases where an honest mistake while crossing the border with something like a switchblade, customs officials may simply confiscate the weapon. In more serious cases arrests may be made and misdemeanor or felony charges will be filed.
If you have been accused of any crime after attempting to take an illegal item into California, attorney Peter M. Liss can help. Please call (760) 643-4050 to schedule a free initial consultation.
