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HomeMilitary and Veterans CodeDiv. 2Pt. 1Ch. 8Art. 1§ 422 Military Uniform Restrictions

§ 422 Military Uniform Restrictions

Military and Veterans Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 422 Military Uniform Restrictions

This law makes it a misdemeanor for anyone (except certain military members) to wear a U.S. or state military uniform or a similar one, and it sets the punishment as a fine of $100 to $500 or up to 60 days in jail, or both.

Key Takeaways

  • •Wearing a U.S. or state military uniform is illegal for most civilians.
  • •Punishment can be a fine of $100‑$500, up to 60 days in jail, or both.
  • •The fine can be any amount within the $100‑$500 range, set by the court.

Example

A civilian puts on an Army jacket at a costume party and is stopped by police.

The police can arrest the person because wearing a military uniform is illegal for non‑military people. The court can fine the person any amount from $100 up to $500 and can also put them in jail for up to 60 days, or both.

How to Calculate

Fine must be between $100 and $500 (inclusive).

  1. Decide the intended fine amount.
  2. Check if the amount is at least $100.
  3. Check if the amount is no more than $500.
  4. If the amount is below $100, raise it to $100.
  5. If the amount is above $500, lower it to $500.
  6. The final amount is the fine that will be imposed.

A judge wants to set a $75 fine.

Result: Adjusted fine = $100 (raised from $75 to meet the minimum).

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 422 Military Uniform Restrictions

Any person other than an officer, warrant officer, or enlisted person of the California National Guard, or of the unorganized militia when called into the service of the state or of the State Guard or who may be appointed under Section 141 or who may be authorized by Sections 502, 502.1, or 502.2 or who may be a member of the Naval Militia of this state, or who may be a member of the military forces of another state or of the United States Army, United States Air Force, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Space Force, United States Coast Guard Service or United States or State Forest Service, or personnel of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, or members of the Department of the California Highway Patrol, or an inmate of any veterans’ or soldiers’ home, or other person authorized by the laws of the United States or of this state, who at any time wears the uniform of the United States Army, United States Air Force, or United States Navy, or of the armed forces of the United States or any organization thereof, or National Guard or Naval Militia, or any part of that uniform, or a uniform or part of a uniform similar thereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding 60 days, or by both. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 379, Sec. 14. (AB 1715) Effective January 1, 2023.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

misdemeanoruniformUnited States ArmyUnited States Air ForceUnited States Navy

Related Statutes

  • § 920 Veteran Eligibility Definition
  • § 419 Militia Uniform Restrictions
  • § 421 Military Property Theft Penalties
  • § 423 Military Uniform Parade Restrictions
  • § 424 Unauthorized Military Uniform Use

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Military and Veterans Code. Section 422.
View Official Source