§ 424 Unauthorized Military Uniform Use

Military and Veterans Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

It is illegal to wear a foreign military or similar uniform without permission, and the penalty is a fine of $100 to $500 or up to 60 days in jail, or both.

Key Takeaways

•Wearing a foreign military‑style uniform without permission is a misdemeanor.
•Penalties can be a fine of $100‑$500, up to 60 days in jail, or both.
•Actors are exempt when wearing uniforms for movies or stage plays.

Example

A person attends a costume party and puts on a uniform that looks like a foreign army's uniform, even though they are not a member of that military.

Because the person is not entitled to wear that uniform, they could be charged with a misdemeanor. The court could fine them any amount between $100 and $500 and/or lock them up for no more than 60 days.

How to Calculate

Fine = any amount between $100 (minimum) and $500 (maximum)

Identify the lowest possible fine: $100.
Identify the highest possible fine: $500.
Choose a fine within that range, such as $250, for the example.

Judge decides to impose a monetary penalty.

Result: $250 fine (falls within the $100‑$500 range)

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 424 Unauthorized Military Uniform Use

Any person, who at any time wears the uniform of, or a uniform similar to that of, a foreign military or semimilitary organization without being a member thereof and being entitled to do so, 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 such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the wearing of such uniforms by actors during the filming of any motion picture or the presentation of any stage play. (Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1092, Sec. 228. Effective September 27, 1983. Operative January 1, 1984, by Sec. 427 of Ch. 1092.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

foreign military or semimilitary organization misdemeanor actors filming stage play

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Military and Veterans Code. Section 424.

§ 424 Unauthorized Military Uniform Use

Military and Veterans Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

§ 424 Unauthorized Military Uniform Use

It is illegal to wear a foreign military or similar uniform without permission, and the penalty is a fine of $100 to $500 or up to 60 days in jail, or both.

Key Takeaways

•Wearing a foreign military‑style uniform without permission is a misdemeanor.
•Penalties can be a fine of $100‑$500, up to 60 days in jail, or both.
•Actors are exempt when wearing uniforms for movies or stage plays.

Example

A person attends a costume party and puts on a uniform that looks like a foreign army's uniform, even though they are not a member of that military.

How to Calculate

Fine = any amount between $100 (minimum) and $500 (maximum)

Identify the lowest possible fine: $100.
Identify the highest possible fine: $500.
Choose a fine within that range, such as $250, for the example.

Judge decides to impose a monetary penalty.

Result: $250 fine (falls within the $100‑$500 range)

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 424 Unauthorized Military Uniform Use

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

foreign military or semimilitary organization misdemeanor actors filming stage play

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Military and Veterans Code. Section 424.

Key Takeaways

Example

How to Calculate

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

How to Calculate

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References