Is Bulletproof Clothing Legal?

If you’re concerned about your personal safety, you might be interested in wearing bulletproof clothing. While items like bulky vests and helmets can draw attention in certain situations, ballistic t-shirts and other lighter garments can be virtually undetectable. However, before purchasing either concealable or heavy-duty protective garments, you need to check whether bulletproof clothing is legal in your area.

Some countries have banned the civilian use of bulletproof clothing outright. Others have less stringent laws at the federal level with supplementary laws at the state or provincial level. By making sure you can legally purchase bulletproof clothes in your region, you can invest with confidence in attire that will bolster your safety and sense of confidence without taking any legal risks.

In this guide, we detail the laws surrounding bulletproof clothing in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK. If you need specific advice or want to know more about our range, don’t hesitate to contact the team of survival experts here at The Survival Island.

Is Bulletproof Clothing Legal in the US?

Any garment or device designed to protect against gunfire is classified as ‘body armour’ at the federal level under 18 U.S. Code Section 931. According to this regulation, only people aged under 18 years and those with a violent felony on their criminal record are restricted from purchasing and wearing body armour. However, even those with a criminal record may be able to obtain permits to wear body armour in certain circumstances, such as if they can prove their job demands it.

Some US states have imposed additional restrictions on the purchase and use of body armour. For example, convicted felons of many non-violent crimes are also barred from wearing ballistic clothing in Connecticut. Plus, as is the case with several other states, you must purchase body armour in person – online transactions are prohibited. Get in touch with us to find out whether online transactions are permitted in your area.

Louisiana also has a few additional restrictions on the civilian use of body armour in firearm-free zones such as government properties, state- and school-sponsored events, and school properties.

New York is currently the only state to have outlawed body armour for civilian use. In fact, using body armour without a permit in New York can be considered a misdemeanour.

Is Bulletproof Clothing Legal in Canada?

Provided you hold a valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) or Restricted PAL (RPAL), you’ll face no restrictions at the federal level when purchasing bulletproof clothing in Canada. Some states, however, have implemented supplementary measures and restrictions.

The laxest Canadian states are Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia. These states have zero restrictions on the purchase and use of bulletproof clothing besides the federal regulations.

In Manitoba, PAL and RPAL holders face no restrictions when purchasing body armour, and you can apply for a permit to wear bulletproof clothing if you don’t have a firearm’s license. The laws are similar in British Columbia.

Alberta has the strictest laws on the civilian use of clothing designed to protect the wearer against ballistic threats. In most cases, only exempted professions such as the police can legally obtain and wear bulletproof clothing without a permit. Since 2012, purchasing body armour without a permit has been a chargeable offence under Alberta’s Body Armour Control Act.

Is Bulletproof Clothing Legal in Australia?

Any item of clothing designed to protect against gunfire is classified as a Category E firearm in Australia, which strictly restricts their use to professions such as police, military and security according to federal law.

Civilians in Australia can apply to their local state office or state police for a permit to use body armour. In practice, however, only professionals in exempted careers are granted them.

If you work in an exempted profession, you should apply for a permit from the relevant state department. The rules can vary slightly by state. For example, in New South Wales, you may need to complete certain safety courses as well as have a justified reason before you can purchase and wear bulletproof clothing.

Exempted professions include:

•         Police and military personnel
•         Security officers
•         Rangers
•         Paramedics
•         Medical personnel
•         Media professionals in high-risk environments
•         Crowd controllers

In most Australian states, there are no or very few restrictions on the purchase and use of stab-resistant clothing. Browse our range today or call us if you need pointing in the right direction.

Is Bulletproof Clothing Legal in the UK?

The UK currently imposes no restrictions on the civilian use of bulletproof clothing and body armour. As goes without saying, you cannot purchase body armour with the intention of using it to commit a crime or take justice into your own hands. Those caught committing a crime can face harsher penalties for wearing bulletproof clothing.

If you decide to purchase bulletproof clothing or body armour in the UK, you must make sure any items purchased comply with the minimum testing requirements for safety and quality, as detailed in the Home Office Body Armor Standard 2017. Certified items of bulletproof clothing usually have a CE or UKCA (post-Brexit) stamp. If you purchase your bulletproof clothing from The Survival Island, you can feel confident it has undergone rigorous testing for quality and safety. Plus, our experts will put your mind at ease if you have questions about certifications.

Order Ballistic Clothes from The Survival Island

Here at The Survival Island, we’re a team of seasoned survival and wilderness experts that takes great pride in scouring the far corners of the globe for the most durable, comfortable and dependable bulletproof clothing available. We stock ballistic clothes that are at the cutting edge of design and innovation. Whether you’re a concerned citizen or a high-ranking officer of a special operations unit, we have the gear you need.

If you have any questions about the legality of bulletproof clothing in the US, Canada, UK or Australia, get in touch by sending us a message, and you can expect a prompt response with advice and recommendations. Alternatively, order your bulletproof clothing from our incredible selection today, and we’ll have it delivered to you in no time at all.