Connecticut enforces the strictest regulations, where body armor can only be purchased face-to-face, prohibiting online sales to residents. Convicted felons in Connecticut are prohibited from possessing body armor, classified as a class A misdemeanor​ (RMA Armament - The King of Armor)​​ (Premier Body Armor)​.

Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, and several other states have laws making it illegal to commit a crime while wearing body armor. Arizona, for instance, considers it a class 4 felony, punishable by significant fines and imprisonment​ (World Population Review)​​ (Premier Body Armor)​.

Maryland and New York have unique restrictions, such as Maryland's prohibition for individuals with a prior conviction for drug trafficking or a crime of violence from using, possessing, or purchasing bulletproof body armor without a permit. New York restricts the purchase, possession, and use of body armor to certain professions, including police and military service members, following recent legislation aimed at regulating body armor sales and use more strictly​ (World Population Review)​​ (RMA Armament - The King of Armor)​.

States like Alabama, Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, and Kentucky generally do not have special body armor regulations beyond the federal baseline that prohibits felons from owning body armor​ (RMA Armament - The King of Armor)​

Alabama

In Alabama, there are no specific state laws that regulate the purchase and use of body armor by civilians beyond federal restrictions. Under federal law, convicted felons are prohibited from purchasing, owning, or possessing body armor. This means that in Alabama, as long as you haven't been convicted of a felony, you can purchase and wear body armor.

Alaska

Similar to Alabama, Alaska does not have state-specific regulations regarding body armor, aside from the federal restrictions on convicted felons. Civilians in Alaska are free to purchase and use body armor without special permissions or registrations.

Arizona

In Arizona, it's legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor, with the restriction on convicted felons as per federal law. However, Arizona law specifically makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a criminal act. This means using body armor while committing a crime can lead to additional charges and penalties.

Arkansas

Arkansas law mirrors federal regulations, allowing civilians to buy and use body armor, barring felons. The state adds that wearing body armor while committing a crime is illegal. This is designed to add a layer of deterrence for those considering committing crimes while protected by body armor.

California

California allows the purchase and possession of body armor by civilians, with the same federal restrictions applied to felons. The state does not have additional regulations for the general public regarding body armor but strictly enforces the prohibition against felons owning or possessing it.

Colorado

Colorado's stance on body armor is straightforward, aligning with federal law without additional state-specific restrictions. Convicted felons in Colorado are prohibited from owning body armor, but there are no other restrictions on lawful citizens regarding its purchase or use.

Connecticut

Connecticut has stricter laws regarding body armor. Here, body armor must be purchased in person, meaning residents cannot legally buy body armor online or over the phone. This law aims to regulate the sale more closely and prevent felons from easily acquiring body armor. Additionally, felons are prohibited from owning body armor in the state.

Delaware

Delaware allows the purchase and use of body armor by civilians, subject to federal restrictions on felons. State law specifies that committing a crime while wearing body armor is illegal, adding potential penalties for offenders who use body armor during the commission of a crime.

Florida

In Florida, civilians can buy and possess body armor with the usual restrictions on felons. The state specifically outlaws the use of body armor during the commission of certain crimes, aiming to deter criminal activities involving body armor and impose stricter penalties on those who do.

Georgia

Georgia permits the purchase and use of body armor by civilians, barring felons under federal law. Similar to several other states, Georgia makes it a crime to wear body armor during the commission of criminal acts, which can result in additional charges for those involved.

Hawaii

Hawaii doesn't have specific state laws regarding the use of body armor beyond the federal restrictions. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from owning or possessing body armor. Civilians who are not convicted felons can purchase and use body armor.

Idaho

Like Hawaii, Idaho follows federal guidelines regarding body armor and does not have state-specific laws beyond those. The purchase and use of body armor are legal for civilians without felony convictions.

Illinois

Illinois has additional regulations concerning the unlawful use of body armor. It's illegal for anyone to wear body armor while in possession of a dangerous weapon, other than a firearm, during the commission or attempted commission of any offense.

Indiana

In Indiana, it is unlawful to use body armor while committing a felony. This adds a specific deterrent against the use of body armor in the commission of criminal activities, with additional penalties for violators.

Iowa

Iowa does not impose additional state-specific regulations on body armor beyond the federal law. Civilians without felony convictions are free to purchase and wear body armor.

Kansas

Kansas follows federal regulations regarding body armor, without additional state-specific laws. Felons are prohibited from owning body armor, but there are no other restrictions for civilians.

Kentucky

Kentucky's laws regarding body armor align with federal guidelines, not imposing further restrictions on their purchase or use by civilians without felony convictions.

Louisiana

Louisiana has specific laws making it illegal to wear body armor on school property or during the commission of a crime on school property. This is part of efforts to enhance school safety.

Maine

Maine follows federal laws regarding body armor, allowing individuals without felony convictions to purchase and use body armor freely.

Maryland

Maryland imposes restrictions on individuals with previous convictions for drug trafficking or violent crimes, prohibiting them from owning body armor without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police.

Massachusetts

It is illegal in Massachusetts to commit a crime while wearing body armor. This law aims to add additional penalties to those who seek to commit crimes while protected by body armor.

Michigan

Michigan adheres to federal regulations regarding body armor, without imposing additional state-specific laws. Civilians without felony convictions can freely purchase and use body armor.

Minnesota

Minnesota's approach to body armor is consistent with federal guidelines, allowing the purchase and use of body armor by civilians not convicted of felonies.

Mississippi

Mississippi does not have specific state laws regarding body armor, following federal guidelines which allow civilians without felony convictions to purchase and use body armor.

Missouri

Missouri follows federal regulations regarding body armor, without additional state-specific laws. Civilians without felony convictions are free to purchase and wear body armor.

Montana

Montana adheres to federal laws regarding body armor, without imposing further restrictions beyond the prohibition for felons.

Nebraska

Nebraska follows federal guidelines on body armor, allowing its purchase and use by civilians not convicted of felonies.

Nevada

Nevada does not have specific state laws regarding body armor, following federal guidelines which allow civilians without felony convictions to purchase and use body armor.

New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, committing a crime while wearing body armor is considered a felony, adding additional penalties for such an act.

New Jersey

New Jersey has specific laws that impose separate criminal charges for wearing body armor during the commission of a crime. This is designed to deter the use of body armor in criminal activities.

New Mexico

New Mexico follows federal guidelines regarding body armor, not imposing additional restrictions beyond the federal prohibition for felons.

New York

New York has stricter regulations on the sale and possession of body armor, with specific laws targeting how and to whom body armor is sold. These regulations are among the strictest in the United States.

North Carolina

North Carolina adheres to federal laws regarding body armor, allowing its purchase and use by civilians not convicted of felonies.

North Dakota

North Dakota follows federal regulations regarding body armor, without imposing additional state-specific laws.

Ohio

Ohio's laws regarding body armor align with federal guidelines, not imposing further restrictions on their purchase or use by civilians without felony convictions.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma law stipulates that it is illegal to commit a crime while wearing body armor. This addition aims to enhance penalties for those who attempt to use body armor as an aid in criminal activities, recognizing the added threat to public and law enforcement safety that such actions represent.

Oregon

Oregon follows the federal standard regarding body armor, with no additional state-specific regulations. The key restriction is that convicted felons are prohibited from owning or possessing body armor, a standard that applies across the United States.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not have specific state laws concerning body armor that deviate from federal regulations. As in other states, the primary restriction is against convicted felons purchasing, owning, or possessing body armor.

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, the approach to body armor is aligned with federal laws, allowing individuals who are not convicted felons to purchase and use body armor freely.

South Carolina

South Carolina has specific regulations making it illegal to commit a crime while wearing body armor. This law is designed to deter criminal use of body armor and provide law enforcement with additional means to prosecute individuals who use body armor in the commission of crimes.

South Dakota

South Dakota's laws regarding body armor are in line with federal guidelines, allowing non-felons to purchase and use body armor without additional state-specific restrictions.

Tennessee

Tennessee prohibits the use of body armor during the commission of a crime. This law seeks to prevent the added danger that body armor can represent in criminal situations, ensuring harsher penalties for those who engage in such activities.

Texas

Texas follows federal regulations concerning body armor, without imposing further restrictions for its purchase and use, beyond the prohibition for convicted felons.

Utah

Utah adheres to federal laws regarding body armor, with no additional restrictions beyond those applied to convicted felons.

Vermont

Vermont's regulations on body armor are consistent with the federal standard, focusing primarily on restricting access to convicted felons without imposing further limitations.

Virginia

Virginia categorizes the use of body armor during the commission of a crime of violence or felony as a separate, additional felony. This law is intended to address the increased risk to public safety and law enforcement when body armor is used in violent crimes.

Washington

Washington state follows the federal guidelines regarding body armor, permitting its purchase and use by civilians not restricted by felony convictions.

West Virginia

In West Virginia, wearing body armor while committing a felony is considered a felony offense itself. This law emphasizes the state's stance on preventing the escalation of criminal activities through the use of protective gear.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin does not have state-specific laws regarding body armor beyond the federal restrictions on convicted felons. Civilians who are not felons can purchase and use body armor.

Wyoming

Wyoming adheres to federal laws regarding the use and purchase of body armor, without additional state-specific restrictions or regulations beyond the prohibition for felons.