Is Body Armor Legal in Maryland? (2026)
Partially — Body Armor is legal with restrictions in Maryland as of 2026.
Quick Answer
Body armor is legal with restrictions to purchase and wear in Maryland for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statutes, Md.
- Age restriction: 18+
- Prohibited for convicted felons under federal law
What the Law Says
Maryland Criminal Law § 4-106 prohibits wearing or possessing bulletproof body armor during the commission of a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime, carrying a penalty of up to 5 years in prison.
— Md. Criminal Law Code § 4-106
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required for non-felons. Maryland Criminal Law § 4-106 prohibits wearing body armor during and in relation to the commission of a crime of violence. |
| Purchase | Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions. |
| Penalties | Wearing body armor during a crime of violence: up to 5 years imprisonment, consecutive to the sentence for the underlying crime. Felon possession: up to 3 years federal prison. |
| Age Restriction | 18+ |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
No significant legislative changes to the controlling statutes, Md. Code, Crim. Law § 4-106 and § 4-107, have occurred in the 2023-2026 period.
Enforcement Reality
Maryland law prohibits individuals with prior convictions for crimes of violence or drug trafficking from possessing body armor. The state also has a separate offense for wearing body armor during a drug trafficking crime. Enforcement is active in these areas.
A common mistake is for individuals with drug trafficking convictions to be unaware that they are prohibited from possessing body armor. The law is not limited to violent felonies.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Maryland. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Body Armor is legal with restrictions in Maryland. This product is permitted, but specific conditions apply. Violating those conditions can result in fines or criminal charges. Read the rules carefully and consult an attorney if unsure.
Maryland vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, buying body armor is fully legal in 1 states, restricted in 49, and illegal in 0. Maryland falls in the RESTRICTED category.
View the full 50-state map →Neighboring States
Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Body Armor:
Body Armor Laws Guide
Understand the full picture of body armor law in Maryland and across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to buy Body Armor in Maryland?
What are the restrictions on buying body armor in Maryland?
What mistakes do people make with buying body armor in Maryland?
What is the age restriction for buying body armor in Maryland?
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Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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