(a) It shall be an infraction for any person to perform or offer to perform body piercing upon a person under the age of 18 years, unless the body piercing is performed in the presence of, or as directed by a notarized writing by, the person’s parent or guardian.

(b) This section does not apply to the body piercing of an emancipated minor.

criminal case

Have a question?
Click here to chat with a criminal defense lawyer and protect your rights.

Terms Used In California Penal Code 652

  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See California Penal Code 7

(c) As used in this section, “body piercing” means the creation of an opening in the body of a human being for the purpose of inserting jewelry or other decoration, including, but not limited to, the piercing of a lip, tongue, nose, or eyebrow. “Body piercing” does not include the piercing of an ear.

(d) Neither the minor upon whom the body piercing was performed, nor the parent or guardian of that minor, nor any other minor is liable for punishment under this section.

(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 538, Sec. 502. Effective January 1, 2007.)

  Previous section
Next section  
 Chapter 2 Contents