Dec. 30, 2024
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A bulletproof vest, or body armor, is typically worn over the torso to protect the body from small-arms fire and light shrapnel from explosive devices. These vests are often worn by the military, law enforcement officials, and hostage negotiators in situations where a suspect may have a firearm or other destructive device. Private citizens, such as hunters, gun store owners, and convenience store clerks, also use them. And so do criminals, hence this article.
In this article, we review federal and state laws that regulate the possession and use of bulletproof vests (body armor) by private citizens. We use the terms "bulletproof vest" and "body armor" interchangeably. Most laws use the term "body armor."
The answer to this question depends on your state laws, your criminal history (do you have any criminal convictions), and your intent in possessing or using the vest. Federal law may also come into play.
In most states, it's legal to possess, buy, or wear a bulletproof vest as long as you've never been convicted of a crime or felony and don't intend to use the vest while committing a crime. One key exception is New York, which makes it illegal for any person who's not working in an "eligible profession" to buy or take possession of a body vest. Eligible professions include peace officers and persons in military service. (N.Y. Penal Code § 270.21 ().)
Federal law prohibits "violent felons"&#;those with prior felony convictions for violent crimes&#;from possessing, owning, or purchasing body armor.
State and federal laws are constantly changing. It's always a good idea to check the most recent version of the law or consult an attorney if you have questions.
Legally owning or possessing a bulletproof vest or body armor doesn't necessarily mean you can wear it anywhere you want. A few states prohibit wearing bulletproof vests in certain places or while in possession of a weapon. For instance, Louisiana makes it a crime to wear or possess body armor on school property, at school-sponsored events, or in firearm-free zones (with exceptions for law enforcement and other approved officials). Illinois makes it a crime to wear body armor while in possession of a dangerous weapon.
In addition to state and federal laws, you should check local regulations (such as city ordinances) and security regulations for prohibited items before donning a vest in public.
(720 I.L.C.S. § 5/33f-2; La. Rev. Stat. § 14:95.9 ().)
While laws vary, most states' prohibitions on possessing, buying, or using (wearing) a bulletproof vest apply in the following situations:
You'll want to check out the specifics in your state, but here are a few examples of how the above situations work in law.
Prior convictions. Some states make it a crime for any person with a prior "felony" conviction to possess, buy, or use body armor. In other states, the prohibition might apply to individuals who have a prior conviction for any crime (felonies and misdemeanors), only crimes of violence (usually defined by law), or only those crimes listed in the statute.
While committing a crime. The same differences hold true for state laws that prohibit wearing body armor while committing or attempting to commit a "crime." Some laws identify specific crimes (such as robbery, murder, and burglary), while others make it a violation only if the crime committed while wearing the vest is a felony or a violent crime (felony or misdemeanor).
The penalties among states vary. Some states make it a separate crime&#;a felony or misdemeanor&#;for illegal possession or use of body armor by a prohibited person or while committing a crime.
In other states, if the violation involves wearing body armor in the commission of the crime, the penalty for the underlying crime increases. For instance, a law might increase the felony class for armed robbery from a class 2 to a class 1 felony if the suspect wore a bulletproof vest during the robbery. Other ways a state law can increase penalties for the underlying offense are by imposing a mandatory minimum sentence or tacking additional years onto the sentence.
Federal law makes it illegal for anyone who's been convicted of a felony crime of violence (state or federal) to purchase, own, or possess body armor (except in cases where it's necessary for a job and approved by the employer). A "crime of violence" is any felony that involves the use, attempted use, or threat of physical force against another person or property. A person convicted of illegally purchasing, owning, or possessing body armor faces up to three years in federal prison. (18 U.S.C. §§ 924, 931 ().)
Another federal law provides a sentencing enhancement for use of a vest during the commission of a federal crime of violence or a federal drug-trafficking crime. This provision applies to sentencing under the federal sentencing guidelines. (34 U.S.C. § ().)
The rationale for prohibiting many felons from possessing body armor or bulletproof vests is similar to that of prohibiting felons from possessing firearms. These laws aim to protect public and officer safety by keeping "weapons" away from those who've shown they're capable of committing a crime.
Take the federal sentencing enhancement law, for example. It states: "Congress finds that (1) nationally, police officers and ordinary citizens are facing increased danger as criminals use more deadly weaponry, body armor, and other sophisticated assault gear...." (34 U.S.C. § () (emphasis added).)
While one can argue body armor, in and of itself, isn't "assault gear" or "weaponry," as you can see from the discussion of state law above, the federal law's reasoning tends to prevail at the state level as well.
If you're facing criminal charges relating to the possession or use of body armor, contact a criminal defense attorney right away. For federal charges, you'll want to make sure you contact an attorney who practices in federal court and defends these types of cases.
You might also want to talk to an attorney for more information on your state's laws or restrictions on buying or wearing a bulletproof vest.
Some countries have specific guidelines about how body armor can be bought and sold, and it is your responsibility to be aware of any restrictions in place where you live.
Some restrictions in major areas include:
In
Australia
Want more information on Stab-Proof Vest? Feel free to contact us.
, it is illegal to possess body armor without authorization in certain territories (
South Australia, Victoria, Northern Territory, ACT, Queensland, and New South Wales
).
In certain
Canadian
provinces (
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia
) a license is required to possess body armor, though there are no such restrictions in the rest of the country.
In the
European Union
, ballistic protection that is considered &#;for main military usage&#; is restricted to civilians.
In the
United Kingdom
, there are currently no legal restrictions on the purchase and ownership of body armor.
In the
United States
it is legal to purchase and possess body armor, except for a few states:
In
Connecticut and New York
, body armor can only be purchased in person, and cannot be purchased online, over the , or by mail (read more on New York's recent changes in purchasing body armour here ).
In
Kentucky
, committing a crime while wearing or even owning body armor is a crime in and of itself
In
Louisiana
, it is illegal to wear body armor on school property or campus.
Even in regions, were wearing body armor is legal, overt (visible, on top of clothing) body armor is likely to attract attention from both the general public and law enforcement officials. Police officers may want to confirm why you are wearing a vest as it is unusual for civilians to wear vests out in public places. Additionally, it may cause other people to become worried and frightened as they might think there is an imminent danger or that you are a threat. In such cases, it is important to remain calm and explain your reasons for wearing body armor. As long as you are abiding by the law, police officers are likely to be understanding.
A way to avoid these situations is to opt for a covert vest, which is worn underneath the clothing. It still provides you with safety against ballistic, stab, or spike attacks, but remains out of sight.
Remember, the restrictions listed above are not an exhaustive list of all body armor regulations and laws. It is your responsibility to check with local and national standards and rules before you purchase body armor. If you are unsure about any such laws, it is imperative that you conduct research before purchasing to avoid breaking the law.
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