What is the primary legal authority you must follow when applying pesticides in California?

• A. Local regulations only; the label is not binding.
• B. Company policy manuals.
• C. Pesticide label and California DPR regulations; the label is the law.
• D. Federal Environmental Protection Agency rules only.

Answer: (C)

The main rule is to follow the pesticide label because the label is the law. In California, you must comply with both the product’s label directions and California DPR regulations. The label lays out mandatory details such as how to apply, where and when you can apply, the rate, PPE, restricted-entry intervals, and how to store and dispose of the product. California-specific regulations from the Department of Pesticide Regulation can add requirements or clarify labeling for state conditions, but they cannot override the label. Federal EPA rules provide the baseline for products registered nationwide, while state rules fill in California-specific enforcement and practices. So, the correct approach is to follow the label and DPR regulations, with the label serving as the controlling instruction.