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Is body armor legal? Can I buy body armor? These are valid and important questions to ask before making a purchase concerning your safety.
Finding body armor to purchase is not difficult, but the legality of body armor is confusing. As a general rule, law-abiding citizens can purchase, own and wear body armor. Federal law regulates body armor under 18 U.S.C.A. Section 931. In the USA, laws restrict the possession, use, and purchase of certain types of body armor.
For example, felons are prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor. Some other types of body armor, specifically those designed for military use, may not be available for civilians to purchase or use.
No federal laws prohibit the purchase or possession of general body armor by law-abiding US citizens over the age of 18. Its your right to protect yourself.
In all states except Connecticut, body armor can be bought or sold in person, over the , or online. In Connecticut, body armor must be sold in person, so online or purchases are not allowed. However, New York is the only state that limits the constitutional right of its citizens to purchase body armor.
At the federal level, no specific laws prohibit individuals from wearing body armor in public.
What Kinds of Products are Considered Body Armor?
What is body armor? Body armor includes protective clothing designed to absorb or deflect ballistics. Products such as bulletproof vests, bulletproof backpacks, and ballistic helmets all fall under this category.
But is body armor legal? Generally, body armor is legal for purchase and possession by law-abiding citizens, with some state-specific restrictions (see chart and details for each state below).
Bulletproof Vests are Legal to Purchase
Bulletproof vests are a type of wearable body armor designed to protect against firearm projectiles.
Are bulletproof vests legal? Absolutely! They are legal to purchase for law-abiding citizens in the United States because federal law permits the possession of legal bulletproof vests. Still, some states, like Connecticut and New York, have specific regulations.
Bulletproof Backpacks and Backpack Plates are Legal
Are bulletproof backpacks legal? Yes, it is legal to have a bulletproof backpack plate and backpack plates in most states in the United States.Bulletproof backpacks provide an extra layer of safety for personal protection, especially in schools or while traveling.For more info, check out our guide to bulletproof backpack plates.
Its Legal to Own Bulletproof Helmets
Are bulletproof helmets legal? Yes, bulletproof helmets, also known as ballistic helmets, are legal for civilian ownership under federal law. To learn more about ballistic helmets, check ourcomprehensive guide.
Plate Carriers are Legal
Is it legal to own a plate carrier? Similar to other types of body armor, plate carriers (which are tactical vests designed to hold bullet-resistant plates) are also legal for civilian use under federal law. But its important to check state-specific regulations as some states may have additional restrictions.
Listed below are each states general rules and regulations concerning body armor legality.
**This information has been gathered for your convenience. It should be viewed as educational material, not as the final say on body armor and the legality of possession or purchase thereof. You are responsible for doing your research and making your own decision about your purchase, possession, use, etc., of body armor.
In Alabama, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor.
In Alaska, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor.
Arizona law states that body armor is any clothing or equipment designed in whole or in part to minimize the risk of injury from a deadly weapon." In Arizona, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor. It is also a class 4 felony to commit a felony while knowingly wearing or using body armor.
In Arkansas, a convicted felon of a violent crime may not own or purchase body armor. It is a class A misdemeanor. Violent crimes include murder, manslaughter, aggravated robbery, battery in the first degree, and aggravated assault. In Arkansas, "body armor" refers to a physically worn item intended to protect from bullets.
In California, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor. It is a felony to commit a violent offense while wearing a body vest. The addition of a body vest during the crime can add from one to five years to a sentence. In California, a body vest" refers to "any bullet-resistant material intended to provide ballistic and trauma protection for the wearer."
In Colorado, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor.
In Connecticut, it is a class A misdemeanor for convicted felons to own body armor. You may NOT purchase body armor online or over the in this state. All transactions must be in person. It is a class B misdemeanor to purchase body armor without meeting the seller face to face. Failing to keep this ordinance is punishable by imprisonment, a fine, or both.
There are exceptions for law enforcement professionals, government officials, and military members. "Body armor" is defined as material designed to be worn on the body and to provide bullet penetration resistance. in Connecticut.
In Delaware, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor. It is considered a class B felony to wear body armor while committing or attempting to commit a felony. In Delaware, "Body armor" is material worn on the body that provides "bullet penetration resistance."
In Florida, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor. It is a third-degree felony to commit crimes such as murder, robbery, and kidnapping, among others, while wearing a body vest. A "body vest" refers to threat level I, soft body armor.
It is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor. As in other states, it is a felony in Georgia to commit or attempt to commit a crime while wearing a bulletproof vest (harsher sentences for crimes involving narcotics). In Georgia, a "bulletproof vest" refers to threat level I, soft body armor bullet-resistant.
It is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor in Hawaii.
In Idaho, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor.
In Illinois, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor. Body armor refers to wearable soft body armor (designed to stop bullets) that can be concealed. It is a class A misdemeanor to wear body armor knowingly and possess a dangerous weapon other than a firearm while committing a crime.
In Indiana, it is prohibited for felons to own body armor. It is also a level 6 felony to knowingly or intentionally wear body armor while committing a felony; it is considered an unlawful use of body armor. Body armor, in this context, means metal or another material that protects against weapons or other bodily injury.
In Iowa, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor.
Convicted felons are prohibited from owning or purchasing body armor unless it is for their employment. It is a crime to commit a felony while wearing body armor. In this state, "body armor" means clothing or a device designed or intended to protect a persons body or a portion of a persons body from death or injury caused by a firearm.
In Kentucky, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor.
In Louisiana, "body armor" is a metal or other material that protects against weapons or other bodily injuries. Louisiana law states that it is unlawful to own body armor if someone has been convicted of a violent crime, burglary or robbery, trespassing, wrongful use of weapons, making or possessing a bomb, or a drug violation. In Louisiana, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor.
In Maine, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor.
A convicted felon may not own body armor. However, you can apply for a permit to own body armor. It is unlawful to wear bulletproof body armor related to drug trafficking crimes or crimes of violence. In Maryland, a fine or jail time may be applied if convicted of a misdemeanor charge. "Bulletproof body armor" refers to a material or article worn to resist ammunition.
In Massachusetts, "body armor" is defined as glass fiber or any other material designed to protect the wearer against ammunition or other weapons. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning body armor. It is unlawful to use or wear body armor while attempting to commit a felony. This is an imprisonable offense.
In Michigan, "body armor" means "clothing or a device designed or intended to protect an individual's body. It is illegal for a felon convicted of a violent crime to purchase or possess body armor. Acting against this law may result in jail time or a fine.
However, if body armor is needed for employment, permission may be granted for the person to use body armor.
In Minnesota, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor. It is a felony, punishable by jail time, a fine, or both, to commit a gross misdemeanor or felony while wearing or possessing a bullet-resistant vest. A "bullet-resistant vest" is understood to be "a bullet-resistant garment that provides ballistic and trauma protection."
In Mississippi, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor.
In Missouri, "body armor" refers to "those parts of a complete armor that provide ballistic resistance to the penetration of the test ammunition for which a complete armor is certified. It is a Class D felony to own, purchase, or possess body armor in Missouri if one has been convicted of or attempted a dangerous felony while wearing body armor.
However, if deemed required for employment, livelihood, or safety with permission from law enforcement, one is allowed to own body armor. In this case, body armor includes plates with or without a carrier.
In Montana, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor.
In Nebraska, it is prohibited for convicted felons to own body armor.
Nevada law states convicted felons cannot own, purchase, or possess body armor unless pardoned. The penalty is imprisonment, a fine, or both. In Nevada, "body armor" is understood as clothing or a device designed or intended to protect the body or a portion of the body of a person from injury caused by a firearm, regardless of whether the clothing or device is to be worn alone or as a complement to other clothing or another device.
In New Hampshire, convicted felons are prohibited from owning body armor. It is a class B felony to attempt or commit a crime while possessing body armor in this state.
In New Jersey, convicted felons are prohibited from owning body armor. It is against the law to wear a body vest while in the act or in an attempt to run after committing murder, manslaughter, robbery, sexual assault, burglary, kidnapping, criminal escape, or assault. "Body vest" refers to body armor that protects against bullets and ballistic trauma.
Convicted felons are prohibited from purchasing body armor in the state of New Mexico.
New York State is the only state restricting citizens' constitutional right to purchase body armor.According to the overreaching New York State Penal Law Section 270.21, "Unlawful purchase of body armor is a class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a class E felony for any subsequent offense."
In New York, "body armor" refers to any personal protective body covering intended to protect against gunfire, regardless of whether such product is to be worn alone or is sold as a complement to another product or garment.
Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing body armor in North Carolina. Wearing or possessing a bulletproof vest while committing a crime is illegal.
Convicted felons are prohibited from owning body armor.
In Ohio, "body armor" means "any vest, helmet, shield, or similar item that is designed or specifically carried to diminish the impact of a bullet or projectile upon the offender's body." It is a felony to commit or attempt a violent offense while carrying or wearing body armor.
Convicted felons are also prohibited from owning body armor.
In Oklahoma, "body armor" is defined as "a vest or shirt of ten plies or more of bullet-resistant material." As in most states, it is a felony in Oklahoma, punishable by jail time, to commit or attempt to commit a felony while wearing body armor. Unless law enforcement approves, convicted felons are prohibited from owning or purchasing body armor.
It is a class B felony to commit or attempt to commit a violent felony or misdemeanor while knowingly possessing or wearing body armor in Oregon. Convicted felons are prohibited from buying or owning body armor.
Oregon law states that "body armor" refers to "any clothing or equipment designed in whole or in part to minimize the risk of injury from a deadly weapon."
In Pennsylvania, it is a felony in the third degree to commit or attempt to commit a felony while wearing or possessing body armor. "Body armor" refers to any protective covering for the body made of fiber, glass fiber, or another material designed to stop ammunition or other weapons.
In Rhode Island, convicted felons of violent crimes are prohibited from buying, owning, or possessing body armor. However, if the government approves, convicted felons may possess body armor for employment and other approved activities. Failure to comply may result in prison time, a fine, or both. "Body armor" is defined as a "personal protective body covering intended to protect against gunfire."
Convicted felons of violent crimes may not buy, own or possess body armor. However, there are exceptions for employment and other approved activities. It is a felony to commit or attempt to commit a violent crime while wearing body armor. The penalty is prison time, a fine, or both.
In South Carolina, "body armor" refers to "clothing or a device designed or intended to protect an individual's body or a portion of an individual's body from injury caused by a firearm."
Convicted felons are prohibited from purchasing or owning body armor in South Dakota.
It is considered a class E felony to knowingly commit a felony of violence, burglary or car theft, arson, or a felony involving controlled substances while wearing a body vest in the state of Tennessee. Convicted felons may not own or purchase body armor. "Body vest" refers to threat level I, bullet-resistant, soft armor.
In Texas, it is a third-degree felony for a convicted felon to own or possess metal or body armor. "Metal or body armor" is defined as "anybody covering manifestly designed, made, or adapted to protect a person against gunfire."
Utah law states that "body armor" refers to any material designed or intended to provide bullet penetration resistance or protection from bodily injury caused by a dangerous weapon. In Utah, it is an increased penalty for someone wearing body armor who commits and is convicted of a violent felony or an attempt involving a dangerous weapon. The sentence for this crime can be a first, second, or third-degree felony.
Convicted felons are prohibited from purchasing body armor in Vermont.
Virginia law defines body armor as material "designed to diminish the effect of the impact of a bullet or projectile." it is a Class 4 felony to commit a crime of violence or a felony involving controlled substances while wearing body armor and possessing a firearm or knife. Convicted felons may not purchase body armor in Virginia.
In Washington state, convicted felons are prohibited from purchasing body armor.
Those convicted of a felony may not purchase body armor. It is a crime to commit a felony offense involving physical force, threats of force, or a firearm while wearing body armor. If convicted, the penalty is imprisonment, a fine, or both.
West Virginia law defines "body armor" as a "jacket, vest, or other similar apparel or device constructed to provide ballistic resistance to penetration and deformation and intended to protect the human torso against gunfire.
A convicted felon of a violent crime may not own or possess body armor in Wisconsin. One can apply to law enforcement for an exception on the grounds of personal safety, among other reasons. "Body armor" is defined as "any garment that is designed, redesigned, or adapted to prevent bullets from penetrating through the garment."
In Wyoming, convicted felons are prohibited from owning body armor.
*Premier Body Armor is not the official authority on these laws and regulations. For more information, contact your local government official, law enforcement officer, or lawyer.
Wearing body armor while committing a violent or drug-related crime, or using it to aid in the commission of such a crime, is illegal under federal law. This offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Around the world, body armor laws and regulations vary significantly. In some countries, like Germany, civilians are prohibited from possessing or wearing body armor. In Australia, owning body armor requires a permit due to strict regulations. In Canada, it is legal to purchase and own body armor, but it is illegal to wear it while committing a crime.
Given the differences in laws, regulations, and cultural attitudes towards body armor worldwide, it is crucial to understand the legal landscape in your specific location before buying and using body armor.
Premier Body Armor only ships within the United States and parts of Canada. Canadian buyers are responsible for any import fees, and shipments cannot be sent to certain provinces due to restrictions (AB, BC, MB & NS).
With all the talk of possible new restrictions being imposed on firearm ownership, we have been seeing increasingly more people asking the question, is it legal to own body armor? It's been a while since we've touched on this subject so we thought now would be a good time to look at the most up to date body armor laws in all 50 states. In general, yes, it is legal for normal civilians to buy and own body armor. Is it always legal to own body armor? Well... it depends. You have the right to protect yourself and your family from harm within bounds of the law. As a citizen of the United States, you have the legal right to purchase and wear body armor for personal or professional use if you don't have any prior history of committing a crime. You don't have to go through a background check or submit any special paperwork to buy a set of body armor plates, and it is legal to own in all 50 states of the United States. Sounds pretty cut and dry, right? Well, there are a few areas where the purchasing, & owning of body armor does have some legal barriers that you need to be aware of.
Under federal law, a bulletproof vest is considered "body armor," which is regulated by statute, 18 U.S.C.A. Section 931. That law forbids anyone convicted of a violent felony to own or possess a vest, unless the person wearing the vest is an employee who is doing so in order to perform a lawful business activity and who has obtained prior written certification from the employer. A violation incurs a maximum of three years in prison. And using a vest during the commission of a federal crime of violence or a federal drug-trafficking crime will result in an enhanced sentence. (42 U.S.C. Section ll-3(d)(1).)
The basic idea behind this law is to help identify severities of crime. For example, if someone attempted to rob a bank, but wasnt wearing body armor, they still committed a crime and would receive a prison sentence. However, if they had been wearing body armor, now there is clear evidence to the extent of their premeditated plan to violently engage with law enforcement and attempt escape. Think of it this way, if you got into a fight with someone, and punched the individual, that is a crime. However, if you specifically planned to physically assault someone, & took the time, and effort to involve a pair of brass knuckles, the crime is more severe. While owning body armor is legal federally, some states have specific rules that need to be adhered to, so its important to know what the laws are in the state you reside in.
Some states increase the sentencing of crimes if body armor was used in the crime (or they may make the use of body armor in a crime a separate offense which would increase sentencing). For example, in California, judges may add one, two, or three years (Ca. Penal Code Section .2). In some cases, states may elevate the level of the felony if body armor is involved. In Kentucky, use of body armor makes the defendant ineligible for parole. In a few states, mere possession (which is much broader than wearing the item) during a crime is a criminal act.
For individuals with a criminal history, its important to know what your state laws are in the possession of body armor. As mentioned, those convicted of a violent felony are prohibited from owning body armor, but some states extend this restriction to those convicted of violent misdemeanors. However, even for those who have never committed a crime, there are some state regulations that restrict boy armor in certain situations. Louisiana, for example, does not allow wearing body armor on school property, or during school functions. Connecticut prohibits purchasing body armor online, or over the . The purchase must be made in person.
Protecting yourself involves more than just which body armor you choose, but how you purchase it, so we encourage you to protect yourself by obeying the state laws where you reside. Below is a list of current body armor regulations by state. State laws are updated over time, so while we will update this periodically, please double check your state's most current regulations directly. In short, if you dont break the law then you generally dont have much to worry. However, some states do have specific requirements as listed below.
Alabama
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Alabama does not have any additional laws for civilians to purchase body armor legally. In Alabama, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally, 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 by civilians legally.
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 September , California passed the Assembly Bill 92, which makes it a Felony to purchase and use of body armor if you have already been convicted of violent felony. Civilians can still purchase and use a bulletproof vest, for now, 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 some of the toughest laws 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: 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; authorized municipal or Department of Administrative Services officials who buy body armor for the above agencies; authorized Judicial Branch officials who buy body armor for probation officers; 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, like California, is attempting to pass legislation that will prohibit the manufacturing, selling, importing, purchasing, and possessing of armor plate, body armor, and military helmets in the state with a few exceptions. House Bill has been proposed and would take effect on January 1, .
Until then, 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 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.
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
Body armor cannot be purchased in the state of New York unless you work within a profession approved for ownership of body armor such as law enforcement.
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, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, 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, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, 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.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor and bulletproof vests, 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. In , Rhode Islands 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, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, 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.
South Dakota
In South Dakota, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, 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 also 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 legally, 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, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, 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, civilians can purchase body armor legally 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, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, 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, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor, 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, civilians can purchase body armor legally, 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, it is illegal for a civilian to wear body armor while committing a felony, 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. This does not affect body armor retailers. In West Virginia, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally, 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 legally, 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, regulations also state donning a bulletproof vest during a felony or attempted felony can lead to an additional felony conviction or added years to the final prison sentence. This law affects certain individuals who might purchase and wear bulletproof vests but does not affect retailers.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, any civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be legally purchased both online or face-to-face.
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