In a world that feels more uncertain by the day, personal safety and self-defense are important. Safety and security are at the bottom of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs for a reason; everyone needs to feel free of personal danger. With the increased prevalence of mass shootings and the spike in violent crime we’ve experienced in the last couple of years, it has become increasingly difficult to feel truly safe.
One way in which many Americans have taken back their own sense of safety is by exercising their constitutional right to bear arms in the form of concealed carry. This has empowered many who are old, physically weak, or just concerned with increasing crime to feel safe once again. Another way in which some Americans have reclaimed their sense of safety is through the use of body armor. Body armor is a defensive safety measure, and one that some people choose instead of or in addition to a firearm.
One common question by residents of California is, “is body army legal in California?” The short answer is “yes.” The longer answer contains a few caveats, which we will discuss in the article below, along with some other general information about body armor.
Understanding Body Armor
Body armor is a defensive security measure designed to prevent or limit penetrating trauma from gunshot, shrapnel, and in some cases knife wounds. Body armor is generally constructed of some tightly-woven fiber that prevents penetration through the material. Body armor is a very commonly worn in military and law enforcement circles and is becoming more popular for concerned citizens.
Though the term “bulletproof vest” seems like a common, one-size-fits-all term, there are various types of body armor. The most common is “soft” body armor vests. This is the soft armor that most uniformed law enforcement officers wear on a daily basis. It is generally intended to protect the wearer from handgun rounds, though most soft-armor is also rated to stop shotgun slugs and buckshot, too. Body armor comes in a variety of styles, materials, and safety ratings.
In addition to soft armor, there are also armor plates, sometimes called hard armor or plate armor. Armor plates the thicker, tougher, and (usually) more rigid plates that cover the vital organs. Hard armor is rated to stop rifle bullets and provides a substantially higher level of protection. There are also a number of accessories available with body armor, including side plates to protect the vulnerable sides and plate carriers of various designs from tactical vests to concealable versions.
There is no one-size-fits-all body armor, literally and metaphorically. The wide variety of body armor available allows the user to customize armor based on perceived threats and needs. Body armor needs can vary considerably between soldier, cop, store owner, or concerned citizen. Safe Life Defense even offers backpack inserts that fit inside most bookbags, yet provide serious protection in the event of an emergency.
Body armor protects the wearer at all times, and it can be in places the wearer’s attention can’t be. You can’t constantly be aware of what’s going on behind you, but body armor can still protect your back. Body armor provides protection that a firearm doesn’t; while a gun can allow you to stop a threat quickly, it won’t stop bullets from coming at you. Body armor provides a tremendous level of protection, whether or not you choose to carry a firearm.
Legal Framework for Body Armor in California
California laws are widely regarded as some of the most restrictive in the nation. The process around purchasing a firearm is one of the most in-depth in the United States, requiring multiple layers of background checks, as well as a 10-day waiting period once the background checks are successfully completed. California issues concealed carry permits very, very selectively and obtaining one is said to be an onerous process. Famously, California still has the assault weapons ban” modeled on the nationwide, 1994 AWB that expired in 2004.
Body armor resides in an entirely different category than firearms, in practice and in regards to California law. This is likely because body armor is typically perceived only as protective or defensive in nature. While firearms purchases, accessories and modifications, and rules around using one for self-defense are tightly regulated, body armor faces only minimal restrictions.
California’s Regulations on Body Armor
Under current California regulations, there is no law or statute banning citizens from purchasing, possessing, or wearing body armor. Citizens in California can purchase, possess, and use body armor with just a couple of exceptions. Both of those exceptions involve convicted felons and the commission of a crime.
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. 931, it is a crime for convicted felons to purchase or possess body armor. In January, 2022, California passed an additional law, California Penal Code Section 12022.2, that made extended penalties for felons using body armor in the commission of a crime. Enhanced punishments in these cases are considered on a case-by-case basis and may extend sentences by one, two, or five years, in addition to the sentence for the crime itself.
In early 2023, Assembly Bill 92 was proposed. If passed, this bill would have prevented citizens from purchasing, receiving, or possessing body armor. This bill would have prevented citizens from owning and using body armor for their personal protection. At the time of writing, it appears that this language has been removed from the bill, though language preventing felons from owning body armor is still in place.
Of note, it is illegal to possess armor-piercing ammunition in California. California Penal Code 30315 PC makes it a crime to possess armor-piercing ammunition, with a penalty of up to 3 years. The prosecutor has discretion to charge such a crime as a misdemeanor or felony.
Purchasing Body Armor in California
Currently, there are no restrictions on purchasing body armor in the state of California, as long as you aren’t a convicted felon. Body armor can be purchased in person or online, and it can be shipped directly to your home. No identification or background check is needed, and no records are required to be kept for face-to-face transactions. There is no reason not to ensure your own safety with high-quality body armor.
Body Armor in California: FAQ’s
I. Can individuals wear body armor in public?
The short answer is “yes.” In California there is no statewide law, regulation, or statute prohibiting the wear of body armor. Keep in mind that counties, cities, and other local jurisdictions may have their own regulations, and knowing the law is your responsibility. As a state law there is nothing preventing you from wearing body armor.
II. Should body armor be used during the commission of a crime?
NO, and there are additional penalties when body armor IS used during a crime. California law legally allows additional punishment of one, two, or five years for the use of body armor during the commission of a crime.
III. How does California’s stance on body armor compare to other states?
California’s body armor law stacks up favorably to most other states in the United States. Very few states have laws that are more restrictive than the federal law regarding the sale of body armor, and California is not one of them. In fact, California is among the most lenient states in regards to body armor sales, possession, and use.
Choose Safe Life Defense for all your Body Armor needs!
Safety and security aren’t just nice things to have, they are basic human needs. Body armor can help you regain some of your safety and security by making you safer in an uncertain world. It is legal to purchase, possess, and wear body armor in California, as in most other states. You should carefully seek out and understand all local laws to which you may be subject before making a purchase, however.
Laws are constantly changing. As we have recently seen with California’s Assembly Bill 92, and Illinois’ HB3238, the legality of body armor could change. Additionally, federal law could change, as well. Though most proposed laws include “grandfather” provisions for body armor that was owned prior to the passage of the law, this is not always the case. It is your responsibility to stay informed and stay within the limits of the law.
If you are looking for body armor, you can do no better than Safe Life Defense’s body armor. Safe Life Defense is a Las Vegas-based company, manufacturing the best body armor available anywhere. Safe Life Defense’s Hyperline™body armor line is the thinnest and lightest body armor on the market, while sacrificing absolutely nothing in terms of ballistic protection. If you need heavier protection, our FRAS rifle plates offer hard-plate protection, while remaining lightweight and flexible. Safe Life Defense’s body armor is available in a comprehensive range of sizes for the perfect fit, with a wide range of protection levels to meet any set of needs.
