Section 16600.5.
Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 16600.5.
in effect(a)
Any contract that is void under this chapter is unenforceable regardless of where and when the contract was signed.
(b)
An employer or former employer shall not attempt to enforce a contract that is void under this chapter regardless of whether the contract was signed and the employment was maintained outside of California.
(c)
An employer shall not enter into a contract with an employee or prospective employee that includes a provision that is void under this chapter.
(d)
An employer that enters into a contract that is void under this
chapter or attempts to enforce a contract that is void under this chapter commits a civil violation.
(e)
(1)
An employee, former employee, or prospective employee may bring a private action to enforce this chapter for injunctive relief or the recovery of actual damages, or both.
(2)
In addition to the remedies
described in paragraph (1), a prevailing employee, former employee, or prospective employee in an action based on a violation of this chapter shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026