Cal. Code of Civil Procedure § 697.540 (2026)

(a)Except as otherwise provided by statute, a judgment lien on personal property is a lien for the amount required to satisfy the money judgment.

(b)A judgment lien on personal property created under a money judgment payable in installments pursuant to Section 117 or 582.5 of this code or pursuant to Section 16380 of the Vehicle Code is in the full amount required to satisfy the judgment, but the judgment lien may not be enforced for the amount of unmatured installments unless the court so orders.