While there’s no need to stoke any unnecessary fear, it’s no secret that the world is currently experiencing an uptick in violence. And it’s not just external threats that have some of our minds occupied – many of us currently live in regions where civil unrest is becoming an increasingly concerning issue.
Riots in the UK, assassination attempts in the US, security pacts in the Pacific – it seems that escaping the news of increasing internal and external tensions is next to impossible. If you are worried about your safety for any reason, you might be interested in purchasing body armor.
But is body armour legal?
In this guide, we discuss the laws on body armor in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, browse our range of body armour if you want to purchase some sooner rather than later.
Is Body Armor Legal in the US?
If you’re a citizen of the United States, you have the right to buy and wear body armor for professional or personal use in almost all 50 states. In most cases, you won’t be required to go through any background checks or fill out any special paperwork to obtain body armour. However, there are exceptions, which vary by state.
For example, online sales of body armour are prohibited in Connecticut, though there are – in most cases – no restrictions on in-person transactions (so you can purchase body armour from a store). Since 2022, civilians have been prohibited from purchasing and wearing body armour in the state of New York, where its ownership is restricted to law enforcement and a few other designated professions.
Many states also impose additional penalties in cases where crimes are committed by a person wearing body armour. For example, wearing body armour while committing a crime in California can add fives years to a prison sentence. In Michigan, wearing body armour while committing a crime can increase your sentence by up to four years as well as result in a fine of up to $2,000.
In some states wear the ownership of body armour is legal, there are restrictions on when it can be worn. In Louisiana, for instance, wearing armour on school property is illegal. Similarly, Kansas has banned the use of body armour during protests, demonstrations, parades, and other public gatherings.
Currently, New York is the only state that restricts body armor to professional use only. Since 2022, the sale and purchase of body armour has been prohibited.
Most states impose restrictions on the sale of body armor to individuals previously convicted of a felony. For example, if you have a felony on your criminal record, you won’t be able to purchase body armour in states such as New Mexico, North Carolina, Kansas or Iowa.
It’s worth noting that many states, like Virginia and Oklahoma, impose harsher penalties for crimes committed by those wearing body armour. These crimes can include taking part in riots or wearing body armor in restricted areas. For example, it is illegal to wear riot armour suits on school properties and campus in Louisiana.
Is Body Armor Legal in Australia?
In Australia, not all citizens can purchase and wear body armour. Under the Australian Firearms Act, even stab-proof vests without ballistic defence capabilities are classed as a Category E firearm, which are generally reserved for security industry personnel with a permit.
In all Australian states, the importation of body armour requires permission from the Australian Border Force. In Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales, it is illegal to own armour without a permit, and permits are only granted to those who can demonstrate a genuine need for it.
In Queensland, armour is classified as a Category E weapon, making possession for ordinary citizens illegal. Armour is also considered a prohibited weapon in Victoria, where you must obtain a Chief Commissioner’s Prohibited Weapons Approval to possess or use it.
In most states, anybody can apply for a permit to purchase and wear body armor, but only people in certain professions are accepted. Some of these professions include:
- Police
- Security officers
- Paramedics
- Crowd controllers
- Corrective services
- Transport officers
- Debt collectors
- Health workers
- Defence personnel
If you are an Australian citizen in one of those professions, you should apply for a permit with your local state police department before purchasing or using body armour.
It is also illegal to sell body armor to anybody that does not have the required permits, which means you may struggle to find a seller until you have permission to purchase anyway.
Is Body Armor Legal in Canada?
In Canada, body armor is defined as any garment that protects you from objects and projectiles used to pierce, puncture, stab or otherwise wound the body. Whether or not you can buy and wear body armour as a citizen in Canada depends on the state in which you live. However, it is perfectly legal to purchase and wear body armor in almost all Canadian territories and provinces, with a few exceptions.
In the state of Alberta, you don’t need permission to wear body armor if you work as a police officer, licensed security guard or emergency health worker. If you don’t work in one of those professions, you’ll need to apply for a permit from Alberta Justice. You’ll be required to prove you have a legitimate need for armour and that you don’t have a criminal record. Permits are generally granted to professionals such as justice officials and bouncers. They are also given to those who the police identify as at risk of harm.
Regulations are relatively strict in British Columbia, where you must have a permit in order to buy and wear body armour. If you sell body armou to somebody without a permit, you could face a fine of up to $100,000 or a maximum prison sentence of six months.
In Manitoba, the Body Armor and Fortified Vehicle Control Act makes it a legal requirement for all citizens to get a valid permit to wear body armor, except for exempted professions like security personnel. In Nova Scotia, you need a valid firearms licence to wear body armour.
Is Body Armor Legal in the UK?
If the recent riots in the UK have concerned you, you’ll be glad to know that there are currently no restrictions or regulations on the ownership and sale of body armor in the UK. As the recent riots have demonstrated, it’s impossible to tell when civil unrest may break out – and what the consequences of that unrest might be.
Of course, while it is currently perfectly legal to purchase, sell and wear body armour in the UK, it’s always worth keeping an eye out for updates to the law. However, for now, you can order body armor online without having to look over your shoulder or worry about legal consequences. And owning body armor might just give you the peace of mind you need to live comfortably.
There may be restrictions on the use of body armour in places where security is a concern, such as airports and government buildings.
Body armour is popular with civilians in certain professions, such as security, cash-in-transit and other high-risk jobs.
Order Personal Protection from The Survival Island
Here at The Survival Island, we’re a passionate and highly experienced team of survival and wilderness experts that proudly sources the most advanced body armour on the market from the far corners of the globe. We sell body armor that meets legal requirements and is legal to ship to and own in most countries around the world. We are here to answer any questions on laws about shipping and owning body armor for any country, feel free to email us.
We stock a wide array of defensive equipment and gear for security, police and military personnel. But we also supply a wide range of top-notch supplies, such as body armour, to concerned citizens. So, if you want to invest in the most reliable and advanced protective gear available, browse our range of body armor or call us today.