Section 2005 Of Chapter 1. Taking And Possessing In General From California Fish And Game Code >> Division 3. >> Chapter 1.
2005
. (a) Except as otherwise authorized by this section, it is
unlawful to use an artificial light to assist in the taking of a game
bird, game mammal, or game fish.
(b) It is unlawful for one or more persons to throw or cast the
rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light on a
highway or in a field, woodland, or forest where game mammals,
fur-bearing mammals, or nongame mammals are commonly found, or upon a
game mammal, fur-bearing mammal, or nongame mammal, while having in
his or her possession or under his or her control a firearm or weapon
with which that mammal could be killed, even though the mammal is
not killed, injured, shot at, or otherwise pursued.
(c) It is unlawful to use or possess night vision equipment to
assist in the taking of a bird, mammal, amphibian, reptile, or fish.
For purposes of this subdivision, "night vision equipment" includes,
but is not limited to, the following:
(1) An infrared or similar light, used in connection with an
electronic viewing device.
(2) An optical device, including, but not limited to, binoculars
or a scope, that uses electrical or battery powered light amplifying
circuits.
(d) This section does not apply to any of the following:
(1) Sport fishing in ocean waters, or other waters where night
fishing is permitted, if an artificial light is not used on or as
part of the fishing tackle.
(2) Commercial fishing.
(3) The taking of mammals governed by Article 2 (commencing with
Section 4180) of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of Division 4.
(4) The use of a hand-held flashlight that is no larger and emits
no more light than a two-cell, three-volt flashlight, and is not
affixed to a weapon.
(5) The use of a lamp or lantern that does not cast a directional
beam of light.
(6) Headlights of a motor vehicle that are operated in a usual
manner and without attempt or intent to locate a game mammal,
fur-bearing mammal, or nongame mammal.
(7) An owner of land devoted to the agricultural industry, or the
owner's employee, while on that land.
(8) An owner of land devoted to the agricultural industry, or the
owner's employee, while on land controlled by the owner in connection
with the agricultural industry.
(9) Other uses as the commission may authorize by regulation.
(e) A person shall not be arrested for violation of this section
except by a peace officer.