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.

Federal Body armor Laws in the US. 

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. 

Where can you legally buy body armor?

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. 

Where can you legally wear body armor?

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. 

Can you wear body armor to work?

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. 

Can you legally wear concealed body armor in public?

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. 

Body armor laws by state

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:

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. 

Louisiana:

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

Maryland:

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.  

New York:

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. 

Body armor laws in other countries

Canada:

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. 

UK

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. 

Mexico:

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. 

European Union:

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.

KNOW YOUR STATE&#;S LAWS FOR BULLETPROOF BACKPACKS AND ARMOR TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN

Alabama

Alabama does not have any additional body armor laws. In Alabama, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or in person.

Alaska

In Alaska, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Arizona

Like many states, Arizona has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, it is a Class A Misdemeanor to possess body armor if you have been convicted of murder, manslaughter, aggravated robbery, assault, or battery, and this law does not affect body armor retailers.
In any other case, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

California

In California, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Colorado

In Colorado, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Connecticut

Of all the states, Connecticut has the toughest law on body armor, prohibiting residents from buying or selling body armor except through a face-to-face sale. Online retailers cannot market and sell to Connecticut residents.
In Connecticut, it is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, to sell or deliver body armor unless the transferee meets in person with the transferor to accomplish the sale or delivery.
The law exempts sales or deliveries to:

1. 1. authorized officials or sworn members of local police departments, the State Police, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Department of Correction, or the Board or Pardons or Parole;
   2. authorized municipal or Department of Administrative Services&#; officials who buy body armor for the above agencies;
   3. authorized Judicial Branch officials who buy body armor for probation officers;
   4. members of the National Guard or armed forces (CGS § 53-341b).

Delaware

Delaware has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers.

Florida

Florida has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime, and, and this does not affect body armor retailers.

In Florida, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Georgia

Georgia has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a violent crime, or while trafficking drugs. This does not affect body armor retailers.

In Georgia, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, all civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless they have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Idaho

In Idaho, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Illinois

Illinois does not have any additional body armor laws pertaining to retailers. In Illinois, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

However, it is illegal to for individuals to wear body armor while in possession of a dangerous weapon, other than a firearm, during the commission or attempted commission of any offense. Unlawful use of body armor is a Class A misdemeanor.

Indiana

In Indiana, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or in person.

A person who knowingly or intentionally uses body armor while committing a felony commits unlawful use of body armor, a Class D felony (up until July , when a new law takes effect). The new law states that a person who knowingly or intentionally uses body armor while committing a felony commits unlawful use of body armor, a Level 6 felony. Again, this law effects criminals, not retailers.

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Iowa

In Iowa, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Kansas

In the city of Topeka, Kansas, it is illegal to possess, carry or wear a bulletproof vest during protests, parades, rallies, assemblies and demonstrations. This statute does not affect retailers.

In Kansas, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or in person.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Louisiana

Louisiana has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime or on school property. This does not affect body armor retailers. In Louisiana, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.
It is illegal to wear body armor on the premises of a school

Maine

In Maine, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless they have have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Maryland

Maryland law mandates that all civilians with a prior conviction for a crime of violence, or a drug trafficking crime, are prohibited from using, possessing, or purchasing bulletproof body armor without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police.

A civilian with a prior conviction for a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime may file, for good cause shown, a petition with the Secretary for a permit to use, possess, and purchase bulletproof body armor.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a law in place that makes it a felony to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. In Massachusetts, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless they have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Michigan

In Michigan, any civilian of age can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that civilian has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.
In Michigan, an individual who commits or attempts to commit a crime that involves a violent act or a threat of a violent act against another person while wearing body armor is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years, or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both. This is not applying to state officers and security officers performing their duties while on or off a scheduled work shift.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Missouri

In Missouri, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Montana

In Montana, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Nebraska

In Nebraska, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Nevada

In Nevada, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire has laws in place that make committing a crime while wearing a bulletproof vest a felony, but does not have laws in place that prohibit sales of bulletproof vests by retailers.

A person is guilty of a class B felony if he commits or attempts to commit any felony while using or wearing body armor.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless they have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Additionally, in New Jersey, a civilian can be charged separately for wearing a bullet proof vest while carrying out criminal acts. The practical effect is more jail time and fines. Separate penalties have a wide range depending on the seriousness of the underlying crime.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

New York

In New York, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

A civilian is guilty of the unlawful wearing of a body vest when acting either alone or with one or more other persons he commits violent felony offenses while possessing a firearm, rifle or shotgun and during and in furtherance of such crime he wears a body vest. The unlawful wearing of a vest is a class E felony.

North Carolina

North Carolina has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers. In North Carolina, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

North Dakota

In North Dakota, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Ohio

Ohio does not have any additional body armor laws. In Ohio, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma has a law in place that makes it a felony to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers. In Oklahoma, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Oregon

In Oregon, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not have any additional body armor laws. In Pennsylvania, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

In , Rhode Island&#;s General Assembly passed a bill that forbids anyone convicted of a felony that is a crime of violence from buying or possessing body armor. This does not affect retailers of bullet proof vests.

South Carolina

South Carolina has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers. In South Carolina, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

South Dakota

In South Dakota, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Tennessee

Tennessee has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. The unlawful wearing of a vest is a Class E felony. This does not affect body armor retailers. In Tennessee, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Texas

In Texas, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Utah

In Utah, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Vermont

Vermont does not have any additional body armor laws. In Vermont, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Virginia

Virginia has one additional body armor law, like many states: Any person who, while committing a crime of violence or a felony violation, 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. This law does not affect retailers.

In Virginia, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Washington State

In Washington, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

West Virginia

In West Virginia, a civilian 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. This does not affect body armor retailers.
In West Virginia, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.
In Wisconsin, donning a bulletproof vest during a felony or attempted felony can lead to an additional felony conviction, or the adding of extra years to the final prison sentence. This law affects certain individuals who might wear bulletproof vests, but does not affect retailers.

Wyoming

In Wyoming, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

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