Dec. 09, 2024
You would agree that in a perfect world, there would be no limitations on the type or amount of products you can purchase to keep yourself safe. We have but one life and just a single instance of death is somewhat problematic for humans.
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Moreover, our right to life is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence as inalienable. That means we couldn&#;t give up that right to life even if we wanted to do so. The right to life guides what we do here at MIRA Safety and the reality is that some states make that easier on us than others when it comes to body armor.
As a result, we&#;d like to walk you through the various state and federal regulations that govern the sale and possession of body armor. This helpful guide will allow you to make an informed decision about your purchase of body armor and as knowledge is power, let&#;s get started right away.
What is Body Armor, and Who Can Buy It?
Who Can Legally Buy Body Armor?
How Is Body Armor Regulated by Federal Law?
What Does the Federal Body Armor Law Prohibit?
What are the Laws by State Regarding Body Armor?
States with Strict Body Armor Laws
Are There Restrictions on Wearing Body Armor in Public?
Consequences of Illegal Use of Body Armor
The Bottom Line
First let&#;s cover the basics. According to 18 U.S. Code 931, body armor is defined as any product sold or offered for sale, in interstate or foreign commerce, as personal protective body covering intended to protect against gunfire, regardless of whether the product is to be worn alone or is sold as a complement to another product or garment.
Now that we've given you the official definition of body armor, let's talk about how we define body armor. To the team here at MIRA Safety, body armor is the logical conclusion a person would make if they don't want to die from a bullet wound.
Body armor consists of vests and all other body products that can protect you in case of a direct attack, whether from a gun or a knife. The MIRA Tactical Level 4 Body Armor Plate is lightweight and can be neatly inserted in a vest to ensure freedom of movement, while offering protection.
While body armor can be bought online and is easy to use, it does not turn you into an invincible juggernaut. It protects your vital organs which is a logical desired outcome. However, if you want to purchase and use a bulletproof vest, there are a few things you need to know.
Source: MIRA Safety
We'll get into the details of each state later in the article, but there are three general categories of people who can and cannot buy body armor. The first is those involved in safety and security operations such as law enforcement. They can in every case, even in states with highly restrictive laws, buy body armor. We sell to those individuals and wish them Godspeed on the good work they do.
The next category is convicted felons. Many states, even Texas, prohibit convicted felons from purchasing body armor. You'll have to check your state individually to know if that applies to you.
Finally, you have your average law abiding citizen. In every state, with the exception of New York, the average citizen can purchase body armor. Laws change regularly and depending on the timing of publication, you'll want to double check the accuracy of that statement in the future.
The broad consensus is that for most civilians, it is legal to purchase body armor in the United States. However, the laws get more complicated when you take into account actions committed while wearing body armor. For instance, wearing body armor while committing a crime in California can add years to your sentence. In Topeka, Kansas, they make it illegal to wear body armor during a protest or rally.
As mentioned earlier, federal law regulates body armor under 18 U.S.C 931. However, the lack of specificity in the law leads to the wide range of body armor laws from state to state. One really does have to look at their individual state to know how the applicable laws will affect their decision to purchase and wear body armor.
Where federal law weighs in on one's ability to possess body armor is regarding felons who have been convicted of a violent crime under federal law or one under state law that would constitute a crime of violence. Additionally, body armor laws at the federal level are routinely offered up from time to time. Again, always check the latest updates.
It offers the exception that if the purchase or possession was pursuant to lawful business activities, owning body armor will be allowed. For example a convicted felon now working as a security guard many years or decades after the crime may need to wear a bulletproof vest. The use would have to be limited to the performance of those duties and proof would be needed.
The federal law only offers prohibition for persons convicted of federal or violent felony under state law. Everyone else is free and clear. There is a common misguided notion that body armor legislation is somehow connected to federal firearms legislation. This is not true as body armor is a class in and of itself.
There is body armor designed to absorb the impact of a bullet and there is body armor designed to stop stabs and spikes. However, because most body armor that is designed to stop stabs and spikes can also stop low velocity handgun rounds, it is likely that it would be viewed under the federal definition of body armor.
If you are a convicted felon of a violent crime, then it is an additional felony to wear body armor. Again, there are some good men and women who made mistakes and have faithfully served their time. It is a shame that they can't pick up bulletproof body armor without committing another crime, but that is the law as it stands. For the rest of America, federal legislation puts you in the clear and it is only the state laws that you now have to contend with.
The sale or delivery of body armor is primarily regulated at the state level and that's what we are going to focus on here. We're not going to get into the minute details of every state, but we will give you a link at the end of the article to a helpful interactive chart. For the purpose of this article, we're going to focus on outliers with unique laws and regulations.
Maryland is unique in that person's convicted of a violent felon may petition the secretary of the Maryland state to obtain body armor. Not all states allow for such an exception. One must complete an application with the Maryland state police and if approved, you will receive a permit that you must keep. Wearing body armor without a permit issued will land you in hot water considering the reason you needed a permit to begin with was that you are already a felon.
In Connecticut, armor may only be purchased in person, which does affect body armor retailers as they can't sell online. They clarify that body armor is material designed to be worn on the body to provide penetration resistance from a bullet or projectile. To clarify, while you are allowed to wear body armor like many states, you just can't buy it online.
Hands down, the state with strictest laws around bullet proof vests is New York. In most cases it is unlawful to sell or deliver or even exchange body armor or similar items. The law states that exceptions can be made for those in peacekeeping professions such as law enforcement and active military. So, officials who buy body armor or a body vest should really not experience any issues.
There are no additional body armor laws that are worth mentioning, as they are fairly standard across all states.
The quick summary is that in 48 states you can purchase armor and that armor can be purchased online. In Connecticut, body armor can be purchased in person only. In New York, body armor and bulletproof vests are only allowable for law enforcement and those in similar roles. Where states begin to diverge from one another are on the use and wear in public.
Many states offer up the prohibition of felons to possess or wear body armor and even impose a higher sentence if you wear bulletproof armor while committing a felony. However, a few states make it a felony or increase penalties if a person wears body armor during the commission of a crime. States like West Virginia and Wisconsin state that a person can be charged separately for wearing bullet proof vests while carrying out criminal acts.
In most places where you can purchase and wear body armor, it is legal for civilians to do so anywhere in that state without restriction. Just don't commit a crime while doing so and you can wear bulletproof vests with no problem. That's helpful as it is quite difficult to predict when and where one may get shot.
Then, there is the example of Topeka, Kansas that we shared earlier. There it is illegal to wear or possess bulletproof vests during protests, parades, rallies, assemblies, and demonstrations. We think that is an absurd restriction on one's legal right as navigating your way through a spontaneous protest might be the exact time you need a little extra protection.
Finally, in certain states it is prohibited to wear body armor for personal protection in certain specific locations. For example, Washington Annotated Code 516-52-020 defines body armor plates as an armament and as such, prohibits that armor on school property. Louisiana also prohibits wearing body armor designed to stop bullets from school grounds.
Finally, where we see the most variation in body armor laws by state comes how legal penalties are enforced. Not every state tacks on the extra penalties if someone is wearing body armor while in possession of a firearm or committing a firearm. In other states, the extra penalties only come if the crime is violent in nature or a felony itself.
In Arizona and Arkansas, it is a class 4 felony to commit a felony while donning a bulletproof vest. In Florida, it is a third degree felony to commit crimes like murder, robbery, and kidnapping while equipped with body armor. Tennessee makes it a class E felony to use a bulletproof vest while committing most other felonies.
As mentioned earlier, these details can vary wildly in all 50 states. Because you made it to the end of the article, we'll reward you with this body armor by state guide put together by word population review. Always do your research as laws are always on the move.
We firmly believe in a citizen's legal right to purchase and wear whatever they think will help keep them alive. Again, the right to life is inalienable. However, we do acknowledge the sight of armor can scare some people who've seen them used while committing heinous crimes.
The school shooter in Uvalde, Texas, had it. The theater shooter in Aurora, Colorado, had it. It is genuinely sad that one intentionally uses body armor to take life when the product was designed to save lives. We have no pity or compassion for those who commit a crime while wearing a bulletproof vest. If someone does that we pray that law enforcement's aim is true and accurate to put down that threat.
Because we have no pity for such individuals, we'll end this article by saying states have our permission to pile on the years served when someone breaks the law wearing our products. We design our products for law abiding citizens and those who take to the streets every day to protect us. Don't purchase our body armor unless you love this nation and the citizens who dwell within. May God bless you all and let's stay safe together.
Wearing body armor is your right, but we recommend that you go through your state laws carefully before putting it on. At MIRA Safety, we offer the best in terms of body protection, including both soft and hard body armor that&#;s rated to protect you against all sorts of attacks.
(Updated August )
Ballistic protection is crucial if you're a recreational shooter, work in law enforcement or security, or want to be safe out in public in case of shootings. At Bulletproof Zone, we're proud to be the link between you and that life-saving gear.
But is it legal to own body armor?
Buying and wearing body armor is legal on the federal level in the United States, but some states have specific laws concerning the buying and selling of these products.
In this article, we're looking at the legal status of buying and wearing body armor in every state in the USA.
Here are the basics of body armor federal legislation you should remember:
Per Section 931 of title 18, United States Code, any US citizen who is 18 or older and has not been convicted of a felony that constitutes a crime of violence can purchase and wear body armor in the USA.
There are some cases where a convicted felon may be allowed body armor for work with permission from the appropriate authorities.
Body armor can be purchased by anyone in face-to-face transactions in all 50 states. However, some states have laws in place that only allow law enforcement officers, government officials, or other fields specified by the department state.
Body armor can be bought at gun shows, stores, websites, through catalogs, or over the .
You cannot take, ship, send, or bring body armor outside the US without federal permission.
Body armor cannot be shipped to addresses in Connecticut and New York.
If you're under 18, you must receive written permission from your local police department to purchase body armor.
Generally, yes, you are within your rights if you wear body armor in public as long as you are an adult with no felony convictions.
Even though it&#;s legal on a federal level, US states are allowed to handle body armor laws in their own way. That means, depending on what state (or even city) you're in, it may not be legal for you to wear bulletproof gear at certain times or situations.
If you&#;re in Topeka, Kansas, for instance, it&#;s not legal for citizens to wear a bulletproof vest during certain public gatherings like protests or parades.
Always know the laws of any state where you want to wear body armor!
There are no extra body armor regulations in Alabama besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Alaska besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Arizona has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn&#;t affect retailers of body armor.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Possessing body armor is a Class A misdemeanor in Arkansas if you are convicted of manslaughter, murder, assault, aggravated robbery, or battery. This law doesn&#;t affect retailers of body armor.
There are no extra body armor regulations in California besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Colorado besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Connecticut&#;s body armor laws are the strictest in the US. Body armor can only be bought and sold there in face-to-face transactions. This means any online seller of body armor is prohibited from selling to Connecticut residents.
Delivering or selling body armor to a Connecticut resident without personally meeting to complete the delivery or sale constitutes a Class B misdemeanor punishable by 6-month imprisonment, a $1,000 fine, or both.
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People or entities exempt from this law include:
Sworn members or authorized officials of the State Police, local police departments, Board of Parole or Pardons, and the Division of Criminal Justice;
Authorized officials of the Department of Administrative Services or municipals who purchase body armor for agencies mentioned above;
Armed forces or National Guard members;
Authorized officials of the Judicial Branch who purchase body armor for probation officers.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Delaware has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Florida has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Georgia, like most states, has a law in place that makes wearing body armor illegal while trafficking drugs or during commission of violent crimes. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Hawaii has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Like most states, Idaho has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
There are no additional body armor laws in Illinois in relation to retailers. Anyone can buy and use bulletproof vest in Illinois except those with a felony conviction. Bulletproof vests and other body armor can be bought face to face or online. However, individuals are not allowed to wear body armor when in possession of dangerous weapons other than firearms during attempted commission or commission of any offense. Unlawful body armor use is a Class A misdemeanor.
Anyone can buy and use body armor in Indiana except those with a felony conviction. Bulletproof vests and other body armor can be bought face to face or online. People who intentionally or knowingly use body armor when committing a felony are committing unlawful body armor use, which is a Class D felony. The new law states that people who intentionally or knowingly use body armor when committing a felony commit unlawful body armor use, which is a Level 6 felony. The law doesn&#;t affect retailers, only individuals.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Iowa besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Anyone can buy and use a bulletproof vest and other body armor in Kansas except those with a felony conviction. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. In Topeka City, Kansas, it is not legal to carry, wear, or possess bulletproof vests during parades, rallies, demonstrations, assemblies, and protests. The statute doesn&#;t affect retailers.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Kentucky besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Body armor laws in Louisiana state that it is not legal to wear body armor on school property or a campus or during commission of a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Maine besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Body armor laws in Maryland mandate that anyone with a prior conviction for drug trafficking or a 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.
People with a prior conviction for drug trafficking or a crime of violence may, with good cause shown, file a petition with the Secretary for permit to purchase, possess, and use bulletproof body armor.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Massachusetts, like most states, has body armor laws that make it a felony to wear body armor when committing a crime.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Michigan besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Minnesota besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Mississippi besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Missouri besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Montana besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Nebraska besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Nevada besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
In New Hampshire, a person attempting to commit any felony while wearing or using body armor will be considered guilty of a Class B felony.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Wearing body armor while carrying out a criminal act constitutes a crime in itself in New Jersey and will result in separate criminal charges such as more fines and time served.
There are no extra body armor regulations in New Mexico besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
In response to the mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill SB on June 6, which "relates to the unlawful purchase and sale or delivery of a body vest".
The law took full effect on July 5, .
The purchase of body vests, which they described as "bullet-resistant soft body armor," as well as their illegal sale or delivery to people who are not in an eligible profession will be prohibited under the new law. The only exceptions would be for those who work in the military, law enforcement, or other fields specified by the department of state.
Body vest sales must be made in person in order to complete the sale and delivery; online transactions are not permitted.
The first offense would mean a class A misdemeanor and subsequent offenses will be constituted as class E felony.
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.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. North Carolina, like most states, has body armor laws that make it a felony to wear body armor when committing a crime.
There are no extra body armor regulations in North Dakota besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Ohio besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online. Oklahoma, like most states, has body armor laws that make it a felony to wear body armor when committing a crime.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Oregon besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Pennsylvania besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Adults in Rhode Island can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with violent felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Adults in South Carolina can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with violent felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Like most states, South Carolina has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
There are no extra body armor regulations in South Dakota besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Adults in Tennessee can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with violent felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Like most states, Tennessee has body armor laws that make it illegal (a Class E felony in this case) to wear body armor when committing a crime. This doesn't affect retailers of body armor.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Texas besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Utah besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Vermont besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Anybody who commits a violent felony in Virginia and who has a knife or firearm in their possession while wearing body armor intended to minimize the effects of projectile or ballistic impacts will be guilty of a Class 4 felony. This law impacts individuals and not retailers.
There are no extra body armor regulations in the state of Washington besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Anybody wearing or equipped with body armor while committing a violent felony offense that contains an element of force&#;either the threat of force, inflicting physical harm, or presenting or using firearms or other deadly weapons&#; are guilty of a felony. This law impacts individuals and not retailers.
Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
Like most states, Wisconsin has body armor laws that make it illegal to wear body armor when committing a felony. Doing so can constitute an additional felony conviction with extra time added to the resulting prison sentence. This law affects individuals and not retailers.
There are no extra body armor regulations in the state of Wyoming besides the federal laws. Adults can buy and use bulletproof vests and other body armor, except adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
There are no extra body armor regulations in Washington, D.C. besides the federal laws. Bulletproof vests and other body armor are legal for adults to purchase and wear, with certain specific exceptions, e.g. adults with felony convictions. Body armor can be bought face to face or online.
&#; Possession of body armor without authorization is prohibited in particular territories including New South Wales, Queensland, ACT, Northern Territory, Victoria, and South Australia.
&#; There are no restrictions on buying or owning body armor in the UK at this time.
&#; Ballistic protection designated as
military armament
is forbidden to civilians. Generally, this means hard armor and not soft, flexible vests. However, each member nation of the EU sets its own body armor laws.
&#; Body armor is legal in all Canadian provinces and territories except for Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba. In these four places, you must possess either a Law Enforcement, Security Guard, Firearms License, or Body Armour Permit ID to use body armor.
We do our best to update this article immediately as new laws are passed, but it&#;s ultimately your responsibility to make sure you&#;re following the law. Always check with your local regulatory departments for more information on specific body armor laws in your area.
For more information on the different types of body armor available and how they vary in performance, visit our blog on the different types of body armor.
When you're ready to buy, view our extensive catalog from many reputable manufacturers including plate carriers, armor plates, and even bulletproof clothing.
Questions? Comments? Feel free to contact us, and we can help you find the armor loadout best suited to you!
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