California Codes, Code of Civil Procedure - CCP, Part 2 — Of Civil Actions, Title 8 — Of the Trial and Judgment in Civil Actions, Chapter 1.5 — Dismissal for Delay in Prosecution, Article 2 — Mandatory Time for Service of Summons, Section 583.220
The time within which service must be made pursuant to this article does not apply if the defendant enters into a stipulation in writing or does another act that constitutes a general appearance in the action. For the purpose of this section none of the following constitutes a general appearance in the action:
(a) A stipulation pursuant to Section 583.230 extending the time within which service must be made.
(b) A motion to dismiss made pursuant to this chapter, whether joined with a motion to quash service or a motion to set aside a default judgment, or otherwise.
(c) An extension of time to plead after a motion to dismiss made pursuant to this chapter.
Notes
Exempts the service deadline when the defendant makes a written stipulation or another act constituting a general appearance. A stipulation extending service time, a dismissal motion under the chapter even when joined with specified motions, and an extension of time to plead after such a dismissal motion do not count as general appearances.
Use as reference
Lexinter.net | California Code, Code of Civil Procedure - CCP § 583.220 | https://laws.lexinter.net/codes/california/code-of-civil-procedure/part-2/title-8/chapter-1-5/article-2/section-583-220