Bulletproof Vest State Laws in the US for Civilians

By Anthony.

Prior to buying any particular type of body armor in the USA, one should understand the laws on this matter. Although it’s mostly legal to wear body armor for civilians across the US, there might be some locations with certain restrictions.

The US government, as well as local state governments, has set particular limitations on body armor purchase for particular persons. Thus, taking time to find out if you are allowed to buy body armor in your particular area is quite useful. Make sure to do your homework, because you’ll be the one responsible for possessing and wearing body armor. The best way to do it is talk to your local authority on the subject.

For example, Connecticut does not permit residents to buy or sell body armor, in case it is purchased in any other way, except in an actual retail store. Connecticut authorities are allowing law enforcement officers, military, and police depts. to buy body armor online, but in order to make it in a legal manner, it is necessary to meet certain requirements. Make sure to find out all the requirements to make a legal body armor purchase in this state.

In case you’ve been convicted of a crime in any area of the United States of America, most probably you will be declined on purchasing, possessing, or even wearing any type of body armor. In case a criminal is detained with body armor on them, they might undergo quite serious penalties. Therefore, if you have any record of felony, you should restrain from buying body armor. You don’t want to respond for this yet another violation and paying a penalty. Don’t forget that it will mean an addition to your felonious record. You don’t want this.

One of the best and most effective ways of finding out more about the laws on body armor purchase, possession, and wearing is calling a local police station. Everyone should understand how important this step is. It is critical to abide by and follow all the laws possible, including US body armor laws for civilians.

Speaking of law-abiding citizens of the United States, who have no criminal record, have all the rights to buy, own, and wear body armor. Nevertheless, it is highly important to contact local authorities to find out bulletproof vest laws in the US and make sure that there are no obstacles in getting personal protection.

Note from PJ:  I own various types of body armor, both level IV ceramic and a few varieties of IIIA which are meant for concealment.  I do occasionally train in the armor but have them for the same reason I own many of my preps: just in case.  I suppose body armor falls into the “better to have and not need than need and not have” category.  I would mention that if you are on a budget and a newer prepper body armor should be pretty far down on the list.  Get the essentials squared away before considering a body armor purchase.

 

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9 comments

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  1. Hi, This is Tom from BulletSafe Bulletproof Vests a bulletproof vest manufacturer. We recently put together a guide for all of our retailers about bulletproof vests and the laws relating to their sale. It is the most complete document I’ve seen on the subject and is divided up state-by-state here: http://www.bulletsafe.com/body-armor-law.html

    I hope that helps.

    On a business related note, we have an affiliate program, more information about it is here: http://www.bulletsafe.com/bulletproof-vest-affiliate-program.html

    Thanks and have a great day!

      • rodel on December 13, 2016 at 9:42 AM
      • Reply

      hi im from philippines im just working here as a foreign labor.just want to ask if i can buy and bring it home because my younger brother is on the line of service as a police man.i want to buy him for protection.thank u to anyone will reply.

  2. Hi Tom, Thanks for the link to the guide.

    1. Aqiyl, fancy running into you here. I had no idea you were a prepper.

    • Sam on March 14, 2014 at 6:38 PM
    • Reply

    Chances are that you will not need any body armor until TSHTF,. If so, you would be unlikely to be found wearing it before the event, and after the event, “law enforcement” may be overwhelmed and unable to enforce laws prohibiting its use. Therefore, I believe that any laws banning the use of body armor are irrelevant and immaterial, to quote Perry Mason. Buy it if you think you will need it.

    • Alex on December 19, 2015 at 7:10 PM
    • Reply

    I live in N.Y. state is it legal to wear a bullet proof vest…
    Because these days i will feel safer with one on..
    Thank You!!!

  3. In Australia, highway and traffic police “keep them in the trunk”! This has been scrutinized after a few fatalities, but not much has changed. Everyone should be able to access vests and body armor – they are “life preservers”. Chances are that If you are involved in a criminal offense, while being shot at and wearing armor for protection, you are not going to get away, but will still be alive to prosecute….

    • Lynn on April 1, 2017 at 9:31 AM
    • Reply

    If I was interested in selling 2 vests how and where could I do that?

    • Nomi on January 25, 2018 at 5:41 PM
    • Reply

    Body armor is needed spcially in usa 2 many racist cops

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