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Property & trespass

California Trespass Law: What Penal Code 602 Actually Covers

Updated 2026-07-15 · 6 min read · Sacramento, CA dispatch

PPO #122730

Short answer

California Penal Code Section 602 defines numerous forms of criminal trespass, from refusing to leave land after being told to by the owner or an agent, to entering posted land without permission. It is a criminal statute enforced by law enforcement and prosecutors — it does not give a private security officer the power to detain, search, or use force beyond what any private citizen may lawfully do.

What Penal Code 602 covers

Penal Code 602 lists many specific circumstances that can constitute trespass under California law, including remaining on property after being asked to leave by the owner, the owner's agent, or a person in lawful possession, and entering land that is posted with 'no trespassing' signage without consent. Because the statute contains dozens of subsections covering different scenarios (agricultural land, construction sites, fire areas, and more), the exact elements that must be proven vary by which subsection applies.

For a private property such as an apartment community, retail center, or HOA, the most commonly used provision is the one addressing a person who remains after being told to leave by someone with authority over the property. A documented verbal warning, followed by a written trespass notice where appropriate, is typically the evidence law enforcement and prosecutors look for.

What this statute does NOT authorize

  • It does not give a security officer or property manager the authority to physically remove a person — physical force beyond what is legally allowed for any citizen can create separate liability.
  • It does not replace the need to call local police to make an actual arrest or to remove someone who refuses to leave after a lawful request.
  • It does not eliminate the need for proper 'no trespassing' signage or documented notice in many circumstances — see the companion article on signage requirements.
  • It is not a substitute for a restraining order or civil process when the issue involves a specific repeat individual.

Official sources & local data

We link to the agencies rather than reprinting them, so you always land on the current version. Summit Force is not affiliated with or endorsed by any agency listed here.

Connected concepts

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Questions we get every week

California Trespass Law: What Penal Code 602 Actually Covers — the follow-ups

Can a security officer arrest someone for trespassing?
A private security officer has the same citizen's arrest authority as any member of the public under Penal Code 837 — see our companion article — not special police powers. In most cases the safer and correct step is to call local police.
Does a property need 'no trespassing' signs to enforce PC 602?
Some subsections of PC 602 reference posted notice, while others turn on a verbal or written request to leave from someone with authority over the property. Requirements vary by scenario — verify the specific subsection at the official source.
Who enforces trespass law?
Local police and the district attorney's office enforce Penal Code 602. Security officers can document incidents and request that police respond, but the legal process runs through law enforcement and the courts.

Keep reading

All 8 California Security Law Library pages

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