Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill banning lethal-looking
imitation weapons from appearing in public as the real thing.
Any imitation gun must have distinctive colorful markings, be
brightly colored or transparent, anything to make them
”
immediately recognizable as imitation
”
to police.
By Lori Stuenkel
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill banning lethal-looking imitation weapons from appearing in public as the real thing.
Any imitation gun must have distinctive colorful markings, be brightly colored or transparent, anything to make them “immediately recognizable as imitation” to police. The markings, often a bright orange stripe on otherwise gunmetal or black, cannot be removed. The guns typically shoot plastic pellets or BBs.
Removing the markings or brandishing the guns in public will be a misdemeanor.
The law is now in effect.
The ban also forces manufacturers to print a notice on the guns’ boxes that the weapons look real and could be dangerous to the health of the owner if confronted by police.
Manufacturers have until June 2005 to make the changes. Failure to comply would bring a fine of up to $1,000 for the first offense, $5,000 for the second and $10,000 for the third.
The Morgan Hill City Council recently passed an ordinance last month, as a result of an incident in April where police came perilously close to shooting four teenage boys. The boys appeared to be carrying real weapons and were dressed and acting in a threatening manner while approaching children playing at Jackson School.
At the last moment, one officer noticed that one of the guns had a white handle and was not lethal.
In Gilroy, Police Chief Gregg Giusiana has said he may bring up the possibility of a city law restricting “airsoft” plastic-BB guns at the city council’s annual retreat on public safety matters in November.
