Is it Illegal to Wear Body Armor in Public?

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author alone and do not reflect the opinions and views of BulletSafe or bulletsafe.com.

Like firearms, the sale, possession, and wearing of body armor is regulated by the states. 18 USC 931 regulates body armor at the federal level for violent felons. States can further restrict it, but may simply recognize the federal law and place no further restrictions. While BulletSafe maintains the opinion that everyone has the right to protection, some states associate the use of body armor with mass shooters and don’t want to give criminals an edge.

Because of this association, it is a federal crime for felons to purchase or wear body armor, and some states restrict the wearing of body armor completely. The following list provides a comprehensive look at the regulations governing body armor in all 50 states.

Alabama – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

Alaska – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

Arizona – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a felony is guilty of a class 4 felony.

Arkansas – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, convicted felons who attempt to possess body armor are guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

California – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, convicted felons who attempt to purchase or possess body armor are guilty of a felony. Felons may apply for exceptions if their employment, livelihood, or safety depends on their ability to use body armor.

Colorado – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

Connecticut – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, convicted felons or juvenile delinquents who attempt to possess body armor are guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Body armor in this state must be sold in person.

Delaware – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a felony is guilty of a class B felony.

Florida – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a felony is guilty of a third degree felony.

Georgia – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a felony is guilty of a felony. Subsequent violators are punished by life imprisonment.

Hawaii – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor except for felons, persons addicted to drugs or alcohol, the mentally ill, and juvenile delinquents. Any person prohibited from using body armor may request an exemption from the court if body armor is required for the person’s safety or livelihood and if it can be proven the person will use the body armor in a safe and lawful manner. Anyone in violation of this law is guilty of a class C felony.

Idaho – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

Illinois – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, those who commit any crimes while wearing body armor are guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses are classified as Class 4 felonies.

Indiana – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a felony is guilty of a Level 6 felony.

Iowa – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, convicted felons who attempt to possess body armor are guilty of a class D felony.

Kansas – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

Kentucky – Any person who was found guilty of a felony offense or theft of a motor vehicle and who was wearing body armor and was armed with a deadly weapon at the time of the offense shall not be granted probation, shock probation, parole, conditional discharge, or any other form of early release.

Louisiana – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor everywhere except on school property. Felons who attempt to possess body armor will be fined and/or imprisoned for not more than two years.

Maine – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

Maryland – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a violent crime is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Massachusetts – Any adult may purchase and wear body. However, felons who attempt to possess body armor will be fined and/or imprisoned for not more than two years.

Michigan – Any adult may purchase and wear body. However, felons who attempt to possess body armor are guilty of a felony. Felons may attempt to request for a written exemption in case their livelihoods require them to wear body armor, but those felons who wear body armor at work without a written exemption are guilty of a misdemeanor.

Minnesota – Any adult may purchase and wear body. However, felons who attempt to possess body armor are guilty of a felony.

Mississippi – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

Missouri – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

Montana – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

Nebraska – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

Nevada – Any adult may purchase and wear body. However, felons who attempt to possess body armor are guilty of a category B felony.

New Hampshire – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. 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 – The sale and/or possession of body armor is illegal unless a person’s employment requires the use of body armor. Unlawful purchase of body armor is classified as a disorderly persons offense for first offenders. A subsequent offense is classified as a crime of the fourth degree.

New Mexico – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a felony is guilty of a third degree felony.

New York – The purchase, sale, and/or possession of body armor is illegal unless a person is engaged or employed in certain eligible professions, including police officers, peace officers, military service members and certain others. Unlawful wearing of body armor is a class E felony.

North Carolina – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

North Dakota – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

Ohio – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a felony is guilty of an unclassified felony.

Oklahoma – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a felony is guilty of a felony.

Oregon – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a convicted felon attempting to possess body armor is guilty of a Class C felony.

Pennsylvania – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a felony is guilty of a third degree felony.

Rhode Island – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a convicted felon attempting to possess body armor is guilty of a felony.

South Carolina– Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a violent crime is guilty of a felony.

South Dakota – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

Tennessee – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a felony is guilty of a Class E felony.

Texas – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a convicted felon who attempts to possess metal or body armor is convicted of a third degree felony.

Utah – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a felony is guilty of a felony.

Vermont – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

Virginia Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a felony is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Washington – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.

West Virginia – Any adult may purchase and wear body armor. However, a person wearing body armor while committing a felony is guilty of a felony.

Wisconsin – Any adult except for felons or the mentally ill can purchase and possess body armor. Violation of this law is a class E felony.

Wyoming – This state defers to federal law regarding the sale or possession of body armor.