Bulletproof Zone Blog — body armor laws
NY Penal Law § 270.21 restricts body armor to ~30 eligible professions; civilian purchase is a Class A misdemeanor. Heeter v. James briefing through June 2026.
Can Civilians Buy Body Armor? 2026 Legal Guide
Yes — civilians can legally buy body armor in 48 US states with no background check required. See which states restrict purchase and what NIJ level you need.
Are Bulletproof Backpacks Legal in the USA? (2026 Guide)
Ballistic backpack inserts are legal in 48 states. New York and Connecticut ban or restrict online sales. Here's the complete 2026 state-by-state legal guide.
NIJ Certification Explained: Listed, Compliant & Tested (2026)
The NIJ doesn't use the word "certified." Learn the exact difference between NIJ Listed (CPL), NIJ Compliant, and NIJ Tested body armor — and how to verify before you buy.
How to Fight Gun Violence: 5 Approaches Americans Support
5 approaches Americans support to reduce gun violence: background checks, school security, weapons rules, safe storage, and mental health programs. Community voices + evidence.
Banning Body Armor: Should Civilians Be Allowed to Own It?
97.75% of 1,300+ respondents oppose a civilian body armor ban. See what the law says in 2026, which states restrict purchase, and why experts say bans don't work.