Our society, and in particular France, is facing a significant increase in violence. The recent figures from the French Ministry of the Interior speak for themselves: in 2023, voluntary assault and battery increased by nearly 7% (with a peak of 15% for intra-family violence), and unarmed assaults by 5%. Even more alarming, knife attacks in France are a growing reality. The report “Insecurity and Delinquency in 2023” reveals a continuous increase in physical violence, including that with weapons, where knives play a major role in many assaults.
Faced with this situation, more and more civilians are wondering about ways to protect themselves, and the question of the legality of a civilian bulletproof vest is becoming essential.
VEST PARIS, French leader in ballistic protection and knives for civilians and who has launched its FURTIV collection composed of several models of bulletproof jackets, understands this legitimate concern. It is essential to know whether the acquisition and wearing of a conventional bulletproof vest or a more elaborate and sophisticated bulletproof vest is permitted by law. We have extended our study to Italy and the United States where our main customers are located. This article sheds light on key regulations, underlining the importance of choosing appropriate ballistic protection that complies with current legislation.
Civilian bulletproof vest, legislation by country
Bulletproof vest legislation differs considerably from country to country. These laws are shaped by a variety of factors: the national security context, gun control policies, and legal history. For any civilian wishing to acquire a VEST PARIS bulletproof jacket such as the V007, it is imperative to know the legal specificities of your region.
In France
Faced with the resurgence of attacks, many French people are considering individual protection. In France, the acquisition and wearing of a bulletproof and stab-proof vest or vest by a civilian is, on the whole, legal. There is no law formally forbidding it for personal use. However, specific rules frame this freedom:
Absence of official markings: A civilian jacket or bulletproof vest must under no circumstances wear insignia, colors, or patterns reserved for law enforcement (National Police, Gendarmerie) or the armed forces. Wearing equipment with false markings is an usurpation of function, punishable by criminal sanctions.
Legitimate use: Wearing a bulletproof vest or jacket should be justified by a proven personal or professional safety reason, not by the intent to commit an unlawful act. This is why VEST PARIS offers discreet models, perfectly adapted to civilian use without attracting attention.
Accessibility to purchase: Bulletproof vests are available for purchase for civilians from specialized suppliers or from brands that make them recognized expertise such as VEST PARIS associated with Protecop. Our Partner Protecop is a French manufacturer of bulletproof jackets that offers approved ballistic protections, guaranteeing both effectiveness and legal compliance. Our bulletproof jackets meet a growing need for personal safety.
In Italy
In Italy, the legislation on bulletproof vests or jackets for civilians has similarities with France. Possession is generally tolerated under certain conditions:
Free acquisition and possession: As a general rule, the purchase and possession of a vest or bulletproof jacket is allowed for Italian citizens. It is not necessary to obtain a specific license.
Legitimate use: The use must be legitimate and not associated with illegal activities.
Accessibility to purchase: It is strictly forbidden to wear a bulletproof vest that could be confused with those used by the Italian police or army. The aim is to avoid identity theft or confusion. This is why VEST PARIS offers jackets designed for optimal discretion, fully respecting local legislation.
In the United States
In the United States, the question of the legality of “body armor” for civilians is more complex and subject to significant variations from state to state.
Federal law: At the federal level, the purchase and possession of a vest or bulletproof jacket by civilians is generally legal. However, federal law explicitly prohibits anyone convicted of a violent crime from possessing such a product.
State laws: Many states have put in place their own specific regulations, which are often more restrictive, for example:
In Connecticut, Buying a bulletproof vest in person is legal, but buying it online or by mail order is restricted and may require a valid firearm license.
In New York, following recent events, New York State has tightened its laws. It is now illegal for civilians to buy or sell bulletproof vests except for certain authorized professions (such as law enforcement, licensed security guards, etc.) and under strict conditions.
In California, possession is generally legal, except for people who have committed certain violent crimes.
Online sales of bulletproof vests may be subject to additional restrictions or identity checks, depending on the destination state.
In the United States, VEST PARIS is committed to full compliance with all federal and state regulations. We strongly advise our American customers to check the specific legislation of their state before purchasing one of our bulletproof jackets such as the V007 that meets the requirements of the American market.
Choosing your vest or bulletproof jacket
Manufacturers of bulletproof vests and bulletproof jackets such as VEST PARIS -in partnership with Protecop-, design ballistic protections that meet strict standards to guarantee your safety. Bulletproof vests are classified according to their ability to stop various types of threats. The most common levels of protection are defined by the NIJ (National Institute of Justice) standard. This classification is essential to understand the performance and intended use of each bulletproof vest.
Understanding the NIJ standard
We mainly distinguish between soft vests (generally up to Level IIIA or even IIIA+) and jackets with rigid plates (Level III, Level IV) which offer protection against greater threats. This classification is essential to understand the performance and intended use of each bulletproof vest.
Bulletproof vests reserved for civilians
For civilians, the most commonly authorized and relevant bulletproof vest class is Level IIIA NIJ. This type of soft bulletproof vest is designed to stop the vast majority of pistol and submachine gun threats, providing effective and discreet civilian ballistic protection.
For example, VEST PARIS bulletproof jackets like The model V007 above, are designed in this category, focusing on lightness and comfort for unhindered daily wear. They can often include anti-knife or anti-slice protection, which is crucial in the face of the knife attacks we were talking about. This class level is legal to buy and own for civilians in France and Italy, and in most American states, subject to the specific local regulations mentioned earlier.
Bulletproof vests reserved for professionals
In contrast, Class III and IV NIJ bulletproof vests, which incorporate rigid plates (made of ceramic or thick composite), are primarily designed to stop rifle fire and armor-piercing ammunition. Although their acquisition may be legal for civilians in certain contexts and countries, their use is mostly reserved for law enforcement professionals, soldiers or security agents facing threats of war or organized crime. Their weight and bulkiness make them less suitable for daily civilian use.
In summary
Before purchasing a vest or a bulletproof jacket, it is imperative to consult the legislation specific to your place of residence. For 12 years, VEST PARIS has been your trusted partner, offering reliable and compliant ballistic protections. We invite you to explore our range or to contact our experts for any questions about the legal and appropriate acquisition of your personal protection. Your safety is our priority, in strict compliance with the law.
