As someone in the military or law enforcement, your life is about protecting others. One key tool for keeping yourself and those around you safe is a plate carrier. Whether for personal protection or as part of standard equipment, plate carriers are a reliable way to reduce injuries and keep you in the fight. But with laws surrounding their use and carrying varying by state and even city, it can be tricky to know exactly how you can legally use a plate carrier. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the laws surrounding plate carriers to help you stay informed and current on any legal updates.
The laws surrounding plate carriers differ by state and even county to county. While some states allow them to be worn with ease, others require a special permit to possess one. For example, in California, you can only use body armor while wearing it on the job. Spot checks are occasionally conducted by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services to ensure that armed guards on duty have a license to possess armor.
Legal definitions of what constitutes body armor are another consideration. In many states, body armor is defined as a material specifically designed to protect against bullets and other projectiles. Plate carriers made of this material are of course regulated by the state, leaving other carriers made of materials like Kevlar is still permissible. It’s also important to note that patchwork laws and local ordinances may limit the legality of any plate carrier regardless of the material.
In addition to state laws, it’s important to consider federal laws surrounding the use of plate carriers. There are no federal restrictions on the ownership or possession of plate carriers, but if you commit a crime while wearing one, the length of your federal prison sentence will increase. This increased sentence is what’s known as an “enhancement” and is intended as a deterrent to prevent criminals from using body armor in the commission of violent crimes.
Perhaps the most important factor in navigating the legal landscape of plate carriers is staying informed. Because laws can change quickly, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest legal changes in your area. Regularly checking state and local ordinances, as well as federal laws, is crucial to ensure that you’re operating within the limits of the law.
Plate carriers are an essential tool for those in the military, law enforcement and security professions. Their use can mean the difference between life and death in critical situations. However, navigating the legal landscape surrounding them can be complex and often confusing. Although each state has its laws regarding plate carriers, staying informed and up-to-date on local, state and federal laws can ensure that you use this equipment within legal constraints. While the laws surrounding plate carriers will always be subject to change, maintaining awareness can give you one less thing to worry about and allow you to focus on what matters – keeping yourself and those around you safe.
For more great articles, please click here.