US body armor laws.
One federal statute sets the floor; six states layer narrower rules on top. Every citation links to the primary source.
Federal baseline
18 U.S.C. § 931
Federal felon-in-possession prohibition on body armor. Applies nationally; states may not authorize below this floor. Exception for performance of law-enforcement duties under a written agency agreement. Violating possession is a class 3 felony.
States with additional restrictions
- nyNew YorkProfessional only
Purchase + possession restricted to eligible professions (LE, medical, security, etc.) since 2022.
- ctConnecticutFace-to-face
Commercial sale requires in-person transfer; online shipping to CT consumers is prohibited.
- laLouisianaPossession-restricted
Possession on or near school property is a criminal offense; expanded 2023.
- kyKentuckyFelon-in-possession
State felon-in-possession parallel, slightly broader than federal.
- njNew JerseyFelon-in-possession
State felon-in-possession parallel with possession-of-body-armor-during-crime enhancement.
- dcDistrict of ColumbiaProfession-gate
Purchase requires specific profession or law-enforcement authorization.
All 50 states + DC
The six states above impose additional rules on top of the federal floor. In the other 45 jurisdictions, civilian purchase and possession is unrestricted for non-felons; only the federal 18 U.S.C. § 931 restriction applies.