Section 5001 Of Chapter 1. Turtles From California Fish And Game Code >> Division 5. >> Chapter 1.
5001
. The provisions of Section 5000 do not prohibit the possession
of any tortoise (Gopherus) when the owner can demonstrate that such
tortoise was legally acquired and possessed before the effective date
of this section. The owner of a tortoise which may be possessed
under this section shall mark or otherwise identify such tortoise to
the satisfaction of the department, and shall not transfer such
tortoise to any other person without prior approval of the
department.