Whenever any act of a secular nature, other than a work of necessity or mercy, is appointed by law or contract to be performed upon a particular day, which days falls upon a holiday, such act may be performed upon the next business day with the same effect as if it had been performed upon the day appointed.
§ 13.Certain acts not to be done on holidays
Preliminary Provisions · Enacted 1872 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 13 lets an ordinary act that falls due on a holiday be performed on the next business day instead, with the same legal effect as if it had been done on the original date.
Full Text of § 13
Plain-English Summary
Section 13 covers acts of “a secular nature” — ordinary, non-religious obligations — that a law or contract requires be performed on a particular day. If that day turns out to be a holiday, the act can be performed on the next business day instead, and it counts as if it had happened on the day originally set.
The rule carves out work of necessity or mercy, which was never barred by the holiday to begin with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if an act is due on a holiday?
Section 13 lets it be performed on the next business day instead, with the same effect as if done on the appointed day.
Does Section 13 apply to work of necessity or mercy?
No — that work isn’t restricted by the holiday to begin with, so the section doesn’t need to reach it.
Amendment History
Enacted 1872.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: act due on a holiday California lawCCP section 13