Body armor saves countless lives every day, and it is used all over the US, and the rest of the world by Law Enforcement, the Military, and even Civilians. In the US, Federal Law states that any law-abiding citizen can purchase and wear body armor, however, when it comes to state laws, some states have certain restrictions on how you can buy armor, and where it can be worn.
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So, in this article, we will talk about the legal status of body armor and bulletproof clothing in different states, and discuss the intricacies of federal body armor law in more detail. We will also talk about the legal states of body armor in some other countries in the world, and try to answer all of your questions related to the legality of ballistic armor.
According to Federal Law, Any citizen, who is 18 years old or above, and has not been convicted of a violent crime can legally own and use body armor in the United States. If a felon convicted of a violent crime requires body armor for their profession, they can purchase body armor, however, they need to have written permission from their employer, and the guarantee that the use of armor will be limited to their professional duties.
In all 50 states of the US, you can buy body armor via a Face-to-Face transaction, and in all states except Connecticut, you can even buy body armor online or over the . You also don't need to go through any background checks, or show an ID or permit to purchase body armor in all states.
In general, federal law allows all law-abiding citizens who can buy body armor to legally wear it as well in any public area, however, different states are allowed to make their own laws regarding the use of body armor, and in some states and cities, you will not be allowed to wear body armor is certain situations.
For instance, some cities or states may prevent the use of body armor during public parades and protests. In some states, it may be illegal to wear body armor to police stations or government buildings, or schools.
In the US, businesses and citizens have the right to prohibit the use of body armor within the premises of their business grounds, or private properties. Therefore, if you intend to wear body armor to work, it is better to check up with the specific policies of your workplace before wearing body armor to work.
Yes, if you are allowed to wear body armor in public, you can also wear concealed bulletproof clothing like a Wonder Hoodie, Bulletproof Pants, or concealable Bulletproof Vests. In fact, concealable body armor is better for most situations, as it does not attract too much attention, and allows you to go about your day without getting concerned looks and questions from people and law enforcement officers.
Most states abide by federal law when it comes to body armor-related laws, however, some states have extra restrictions or leniencies. Here is a quick run-down of these states.
Connecticut has quite strict laws about body armor. In fact, unlike in other states, body armor can only be bought through a face-to-face transaction. Buying body armor online, or on the is considered a Class B misdemeanor punishable by 6-month imprisonment, a $1,000 fine, or both. However, certain individuals or entities like law enforcement agencies, the national guard and armed forces, the division of criminal justice, the parole board, and correctional facilities are exempt from this restriction.
In Louisiana, anyone can buy or use body armor, except on school grounds, and during school-arranged events and functions including, but not limited to; sporting events, dances, parties, and field trips. It is also illegal to wear body armor in a firearm-free zone, and without feet of any school campus
According to federal law, only people convicted of a violent crime are prohibited from buying or using body armor, however, the state of Maryland extends this restriction to people convicted of drug trafficking as well. People with prior convictions of drug trafficking or a violent crime need to get a special permit issued by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police to buy or use body armor.
After the recent bill, banning the purchase of body armor was passed and implemented in New York, it now has the most strict body armor laws in the country. The bill was signed in response to the supermarket shooting in buffalo, New York, and the school shooting in Uvalde Texas, during which the attacker was wearing body armor.
Senate Bill SB prohibits the purchase of body vests, which they described as "bullet-resistant soft body armor to people who are not in an eligible profession. However, the bill does not have any information about the legality of hard body armor plates, which is causing a lot of confusion. Moreover, the first offense or illegally buying body armor would be considered a class A misdemeanor, and all subsequent offenses will be constituted as class E felony.
As of now, the bill only prohibits the sale of soft body armor vests, which is quite counterintuitive, since the Buffalo shooter wasn't even wearing soft armor. He was wearing hard armor plates and using that incident to ban soft armor doesn't make much sense.
So, if you live in New York, and want to purchase body armor, you can have it shipped to a family member who lives outside of New York, or to someone who is in active law enforcement.
Apart from the above-mentioned states, all states in the US have similar body armor laws to the federal governments. Anyone, 18 or above, can buy body armor if they haven't been convicted of a violent crime. It is also illegal to use body armor while engaging in any criminal activity, however, the severity of the offense may be different in some states. Some states may consider it a misdemeanor, while some as a felony. However, in general, wearing body armor during an illegal activity is illegal in all states.
In Canada, the purchase and use of body armor are legal in all provinces and territories except for Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia. In these places, you need to be in law enforcement, be a security guard, or have a firearms license or special body armor permit ID to use body armor.
In the UK, there isn't any specific law against wearing or owning body armor, however, firearms aren't that common there either, therefore if you do wear body armor, you will get concerned looks from the police, who may even have grounds to search you. So, though it isn't strictly illegal to own body armor in the UK, it isn't quite popular either.
Generally, Body Armor is legal in Mexico if it is worn for protection, however, if you are traveling to Mexico, it is better to check up on the laws of the specific area you are traveling to.
In the European Union, Body Armor is considered to be military armament, and it can not be owned by civilians. In most cases, this restriction applies to hard body armor plates, however, countries in the EU have their own specific laws as well.
Written by Muhammad A. , Reviewed by Matt H.
Nearly every day, we get asked questions such as, &#;Is body armor legal in California?&#; or &#;Is body armor legal in New York?&#; In the United States, it is every law-abiding citizen&#;s right to protect themselves and their families with body armor and/or bulletproof vests. Only those convicted of felonies of violent crimes may not purchase or own body armor according to federal law. (Federal Body Armor Law)
However, it&#;s important to note that federal AND state body armor laws change over time, so it&#;s important to keep yourself up to date on federal and state body armor laws.
Below are some of the basics of body armor laws for individual states. The below list was last updated in . Individual laws may have changed, so it&#;s important to stay up to date.
Alabama
No special body armor regulations exist in the state of Alabama. Just like federal law states, an adult can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless you have a prior felony conviction.
Alaska
No special body armor regulations exist in the state of Alaska. Just like federal law states, an adult can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless you have a prior felony conviction.
Arizona
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Arizona can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction. However, the state of Arizona also has body armor laws that make it illegal to commit a crime while wearing body armor. It&#;s a class 4 felony that is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
State of Arizona Body Armor Law
Arkansas
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Arkansas can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction. However, the state of Arkansas also has body armor laws that make it illegal to commit a crime while wearing body armor.
State of Arkansas Body Armor Law
California
All California citizens have a legal right to protect themselves and their families with body armor and/or bulletproof vests. Only convicted felons are prohibited from purchasing and wearing body armor.
Colorado
All citizens of Colorado have a legal right to protect themselves and their families with body armor and/or bulletproof vests. Only convicted felons are prohibited from purchasing and wearing body armor.
Connecticut
The state of Connecticut has some of the strictest body armor laws in the United States. By law, it is a class A misdemeanor for anyone convicted of specific felonies or a serious juvenile offense to possess body armor.
Online manufacturers and resellers of body armor are prohibited from selling armor to citizens of Connecticut as well. Body Armor can only be purchased in face-to-face transactions.
Because of these state laws, RMA does not allow armor to be purchased by residents of Connecticut through our website, as the transaction would constitute a Class B misdemeanor.
State of Connecticut Body Armor Law
Delaware
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Delaware can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction. However, the state of Delaware also has body armor laws that make it illegal to commit a crime while wearing body armor.
Florida
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Florida can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction. However, the state of Florida also has body armor laws that make it illegal to commit a crime while wearing body armor.
Georgia
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Georgia can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction. However, the state of Georgia also has body armor laws that make it illegal to commit a crime while wearing body armor.
Idaho
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Idaho can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction. However, the state of Idaho also has body armor laws that make it illegal to commit a crime while wearing body armor.
Illinois
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Illinois can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
There are additional body armor laws in the state of Illinois which state, &#;Unlawful use of body armor. A person commits the offense of unlawful use of body armor when he knowingly wears body armor and is in possession of a dangerous weapon, other than a firearm, in the commission or attempted commission of any offense.&#;
If convicted of &#;Unlawful use of body armor,&#; it is a Class A misdemeanor.
State of Illinois Body Armor Law
Indiana
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Indiana can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
However, Indiana law does state, &#;A person who knowingly or intentionally uses body armor while committing a felony commits unlawful use of body armor, a Level 6 felony.&#;
Iowa
No special body armor regulations exist in the state of Iowa. Just like federal law states, an adult can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless you have a prior felony conviction.
Kansas
No special body armor regulations exist in the state of Kansas. Just like federal law states, an adult can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless you have a prior felony conviction.
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However, in the city of Topeka, it is illegal to &#;carry, wear, or possess bulletproof vests during parades, rallies, demonstrations, assemblies and protests.
Kentucky
No special body armor regulations exist in the state of Kentucky. Just like federal law states, an adult can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless you have a prior felony conviction.
Louisiana
No special body armor regulations exist in the state of Louisiana. Just like federal law states, an adult can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless you have a prior felony conviction.
There is a special statute, however, which states that it is illegal to wear armor on school property or campus during the commission of a crime.
Maine
No special body armor regulations exist in the state of Maine. Just like federal law states, an adult can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless you have a prior felony conviction.
Maryland
Just like federal law states, an adult can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests in the state of Maryland.
However, people with a prior &#;drug trafficking or crime of violence,&#; is not allowed to possess, purchase or use bulletproof body armor without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police.
State of Maryland Body Armor Law
Massachusetts
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Massachusetts can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction. The state of Massachusetts also has body armor laws that make it illegal to commit a crime while wearing body armor.
Michigan
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Michigan can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Minnesota
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Minnesota can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Mississippi
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Mississippi can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Missouri
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Missouri can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Montana
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Montana can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Nebraska
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Montana can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Nevada
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Illinois can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
New Hampshire
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Illinois can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
However, if a resident of New Hampshire commits a felony while wearing body armor, they will be charged with a Class B Felony.
State of New Hampshire Body Armor Law
New Jersey
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of New Jersey can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
However, if body armor is worn while carrying out a criminal act, it constitutes a crime in itself and will result in separate criminal charges.
State of New Jersey Body Armor Law
New Mexico
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of New Jersey can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
New York
As of July 5, the State of New York law constitutes that the unlawful sale of body armor is a class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a class E felony for any subsequent offense. This is why RMA no longer sells body armor to citizens of New York through our website.
&#;Body armor vendors who engage in the illegal sale and delivery of body vests to anyone who is not employed in an eligible profession, will also face a civil penalty of $5,000 for the first offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses.&#;
For residents of New York, the new law also states, &#;when not being engaged or employed in an eligible profession, the purchase, taking possession of, sale, exchange, giving or disposing of body armor is prohibited.&#;
The only residents in New York allowed to purchase body armor are as follows:
1. Police Officers
2. Peace Officers
3. Persons in military service in NYS or military or other service for the United States; and
4. Such other professions designated by the Department of State in accordance with section 144-a of the Executive Law.
State of New York Body Armor Law
North Carolina
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of North Carolina can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction. The state of North Carolina also has body armor laws that make it illegal to commit a crime while wearing body armor.
North Dakota
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of North Dakota can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Ohio
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Ohio can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Oklahoma
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Oklahoma can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction. The state of Oklahoma also has body armor laws that make it illegal to commit a crime while wearing body armor.
Oregon
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Oregon can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Pennsylvania
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Pennsylvania can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
South Carolina
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of South Carolina can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction. The state of South Carolina also has body armor laws that make it illegal to commit a crime while wearing body armor.
South Dakota
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of South Dakota can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Tennessee
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Tennessee can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction. The state of Tennessee also has body armor laws that make it illegal to commit a crime while wearing body armor.
Texas
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Texas can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Utah
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Utah can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Vermont
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Vermont can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Virginia
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Virginia can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
However, if anyone who commits a crime of violence who &#;has in his possession a firearm or knife and is wearing body armor designed to diminish the effect of the impact of a bullet or projectile shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.&#;
State of Virginia Body Armor Law
Washington
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Washington can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
West Virginia
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Washington can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
However, &#;A person who wears or is otherwise equipped with body armor while committing a felony offense, an element of which is force, the threat of force, physical harm to another or the use or presentment of a firearm or other deadly weapon, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be confined in a correctional facility for not less than two nor more than ten years or fined not more than $10,000, or both.&#;
State of West Virginia Body Armor Law
Wisconsin
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Wisconsin can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Like many states, Wisconsin has addition body armor law that makes it illegal to wear body armor when committing a felony.
State of Wisconsin Body Armor Law
Wyoming
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Wyoming can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
Washington D.C.
Just like federal law states, an adult resident of Washington D.C. can purchase and wear body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have a prior felony conviction.
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