Are Plate Carriers Legal in California?

Plate carriers are imperative for law enforcement officers and can potentially save their lives. Given the tragic events that have taken place around the world, some civilians to wear carrier vests with bulletproof panels for protection. However, depending on your background it may or may not be legal. Every citizen has the right to protect themselves within the details of the law.

Plate Carriers

Why are people hesitant or afraid when it comes to body armor? Society often associates protective body armor with tragic events that no one wants to relive. However, it is acceptable for law-abiding citizens to own protective body armor. Federal laws have been put in place to make this possible and responsible.

Plate carriers hold bulletproof vests. There are a variety of types to suit the wearer. Traditionally, body armor has been designed for those in first responder careers or the military. Due to these reasons, there are varying grades of protection. For first responders in particular, body armor is required as part of their uniform.

Each level of protection varies based on careful and calculated testing that has been conducted by the National Institute of Justice. These levels of protection have been put in place to provide the ultimate level of protection. These levels range from IIA, II, II, III, and IV, These are based on careful testing to determine what types of firearms the body armor can protect against as well as the caliber of ammo. For instance, Level IIA is made to hold up against handguns, Level II can protect someone from rifle rounds, Level IIIA is made to protect against handgun and shotgun ammunition, Level III adds even more protection against rifle rounds, and Level IV is made to stop armor penetrating ammo.

In addition to front and back plates, there are side plates too. For first responders in particular, having a protective plate on all sides is imperative. There are carriers designed to accommodate each plate as well with a designated pocket for each type of plate.

Civilians and Plate Carriers - Is it Legal?

The state of California, just like all states in the United States allows civilians to own bulletproof vests. This is the right of all citizens to protect themselves and their loved ones. However, there are federal laws in place that prohibit some citizens from owning body armor. In California, it is not illegal to wear body armor in public, but be aware of public response if you choose to do so.

In the United States, it is not legal for every citizen to purchase or own body armor. Whether you can purchase body armor depends on your criminal history and if you are 18 years of age or older. According to federal law, convicted felons cannot own body armor. The details of this law may be found under 18 U.S.C. 931. If a felon should purchase bulletproof vests or plate carriers they could be criminally charged, but the retailer that sold it to them cannot be prosecuted.

In addition, some states have added criminal charges to crimes where a felon commits a crime while wearing body armor. In these cases, their criminal charges and prison sentences would be increased.

One state that does not allow an individual who legally purchase body armor online is Connecticut; body armor must be purchased in person there. However, in California, and most other states, body armor may be bought by any citizen as they meet the age requirement and are not convicted felons.

The purchase of body armor by civilians may be done at a store such as LA Police Gear. LAPG has a wide variety of options when it comes to carriers and plates. For instance, you can find low-visibility carriers, MOLLE-equipped carriers, and lightweight, and heavier carriers. You can also find durable bulletproof plates to fit in those carriers.

The Right Carrier

Finding the right plate carrier depends on the level of protection you are looking for. First responders should have both soft armor and hard armor on hand according to the type of situation they are responding to. Choosing a plate carrier may depend on uniform requirements for first responders.

The right plate carrier will be able to fit your protective armor plate well enough so that it sits properly and offers protection, mobility, and comfort. The LA Police Gear Atlas MOLLE Plate Carrier is light in weight, adjustable, and includes a drag handle, which is another good feature to have. A drag handle is for those unexpected happenings in the heat of the moment.

Another important feature to consider is how adjustable the plate carrier is. A good plate carrier holds your protective plate in place, while still keeping you as comfortable as possible. Look for plate carriers designed with adjustable straps on the shoulders, front, sides, and back. Consider the level of protection you are looking for, as well as the best type of carrier for your needs.

The LAPG Low Vis plate carrier provides the protection you need without the bulk. Most plate carriers come in a variety of colors to suit uniform needs. In addition, there are outer clothing plate carrier options and inner clothing plate carrier options. Both are protective, it simply depends on preference or for law enforcement, uniform requirements.

Having body armor in this day and age is not a bad idea. For those who are in law enforcement, there is no question that first responders should be equipped with protective gear. For the civilian, if you feel you need protective gear, ensure you follow federal laws and guidelines. One could go so far as to say wearing body armor isn't a bad idea when handling firearms such as at a shooting range or while hunting. You can never be too careful. Choosing the level of protection you prefer as well as the carrier is up to you and your needs or preference.

LA Police Gear has a wide variety when it comes to protective plates, as well as the actual carriers. For civilians in California or any other state who wish to protect themselves with body armor and plate carriers, take the time to become familiar with federal guidelines and laws regarding body armor protection. If this is a purchase you are considering, familiarize yourself with law 18 U.S.C. 931. Everyone has the right to have this type of peace of mind, just remember to do it responsibly and legally.