California · Penal Code
PEN §499b: (a) Any person who shall, without the permission of the owner thereof, take any bicycle for the purpose of temporarily using or operating the same, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punishable
What this law says, in plain English
Taking a bicycle or vessel without permission for temporary use is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $400–$1,000 and/or jail time up to one year.
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