Home › California garage door opener battery backup law (SB 969)

California garage door opener battery backup law (SB 969)

Source: California Garage Door Help (californiagaragedoorhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 3, 2026.

Since July 1, 2019, no one may sell or install in California a residential automatic garage door opener without a battery backup that keeps it working without interruption during an electrical outage (Health and Safety Code 19892). (source: California Legislature)

A replacement residential garage door may not be connected to an existing opener that lacks battery backup, no matter when that opener was made (Health and Safety Code 19892). (source: California Legislature)

Installing an opener that breaks the battery backup or reversing rules carries a civil penalty of $1,000 per opener (Health and Safety Code 19891). The building department, an affected consumer or the district attorney can bring the case. (source: California Legislature)

The rule was added by Senate Bill 969 (Stats. 2018, Ch. 621) and took effect January 1, 2019, with the opener requirement starting July 1, 2019. (source: California Legislature)

It applies to openers made and sold for any home, and to commercial openers used at a home. (source: California Legislature)

On this site: California garage door contractor license (C-61/D-28) · California garage door opener battery backup law (SB 969) · California garage door opener reversing and sensor rules · Do I need a permit to replace a garage door in California? · The door between a garage and a house in California · When does a California garage door repair need a license? · California home improvement contract and payment rules · How to check a California garage door contractor and complain · Can I replace my own garage door in California? · California garage door contractor license costs · Cities · FAQ · Sources

Sources

Last updated: