New York - Body Armor Law

According to a bill signed by the State of New York, it is unlawful for anyone to posses body armor for individuals who:

1) Do not work in Law Enforcement

2) Whose occupations do not require the usage of body vests as determined by the department of the state.

Establishes that the purchase or possession of a body vest shall be a class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a class E felony for each subsequent offense.
If you are a New York resident, please check state and local laws to ensure you are permitted to own body armor.

*This article was updated on June 15, 2022 to reflect changes to the law.