This is no secret. With the development of the world situation, many people are looking for the best way to protect them and their families from harm. Gun purchases have increased, and more people, especially civilians, are paying attention to something mainly used for military, law enforcement and security details. This leads to a question that many people are asking; Is it legal to wear bulletproof vests in public?
Unfortunately, like most things managed by superiors, the use of bulletproof vests is not a simple “yes” or “no” answer. On the contrary, it is more like a “case by case” answer, although in most cases it is legal. It’s like owning a gun. It depends on where you live, your criminal record and intention. The real question people should ask is, when is it illegal to wear bulletproof vests?
It’s a Federal Crime to Purchase Body Armor as a Convicted Felon
As a felon, buying bulletproof vests is a federal crime, which means it doesn’t matter whether you live in New York City or a small town in Texas. If you are convicted of a felony of violence, in most cases, you cannot buy bulletproof vests (which will be described in detail later). However, this does not mean that states cannot add additional laws on the purchase, ownership and use of armor, but first, let’s talk about federal regulations.
Federal body armor regulations
Although some states stipulate when and how to wear bulletproof vests, the federal government has its own set of laws. These laws stipulate that no convicted felon can buy or own bulletproof vests in the United States. As a convicted felon, buying bulletproof vests is another federal crime, which will increase your record. The following are the regulations on the use of bulletproof vests by violent felons.
18 U.S.C. 931 PROHIBITION ON PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP, OR POSSESSION OF BODY ARMOR BY VIOLENT FELONS
1.18 U.S.C.931
● generally, except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), it is unlawful for any person to purchase, own or possess bulletproof clothing if he is convicted of the following felony:-
● violent crime (as defined in Section 16); Or (2) an offence under state law constituting a violent offence under subsection
● if it occurs within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
State Body Armor Laws
While most states abide strictly by the federal law regarding body armor, there are a few that add their own bit of flair to it. However, the purchase and use of body armor, by civilians in general, is legal. Again, if you’re convicted of a violent felony, it’s illegal unless you fall into the exception.
Yes, some states do impose additional laws to go with the federal regulations on body armor. While the federal government says convicted felons can’t purchase body armor, some states say those with certain misdemeanor classes can’t possess body armor either.
In Maryland, if you’ve ever been convicted of a violent crime or drug trafficking, you have to apply for a permit that lets you purchase or possess body armor. And if you get approved, you’ll have to get it renewed every five years.
The state of New Jersey is very specific with its definition of unlawful use of body armor. If you commit or attempt to commit murder, manslaughter, robbery, sexual assault, burglary, kidnapping, criminal escape, or assault and leave or try to leave the scene while wearing or using ballistic protection, you are committing a crime. They go so far as to say that committing a first-degree crime with a vest on is committing a second degree-crime. If it’s not classified as a first-degree crime, then you’re committing a third-degree crime.
2 Responses
Gun violence, unfortunately, is prevalent in the United States. Thus, it is understandable if you want to protect yourself by wearing body armor or a bulletproof vest when you go out. In general, all states allow the wearing of body armor in public. However, there are specific rules on buying and selling these gear.
Thanks for sharing this with me.