N.Y. Penal Law Section 270.20
Unlawful wearing of body armor

1.

A person is guilty of the unlawful wearing of body armor when acting either alone or with one or more other persons he commits any violent felony offense defined in section 70.02 while possessing a firearm, rifle or shotgun and in the course of and in furtherance of such crime he or she wears body armor.

2.

For the purposes of this section “body armor” means any product that is a personal protective body covering intended to protect against gunfire, regardless of whether such product is to be worn alone or is sold as a complement to another product or garment. The unlawful wearing of body armor is a class E felony.

Source: Section 270.20 — Unlawful wearing of body armor, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/PEN/270.­20 (updated Jul. 8, 2022; accessed Nov. 15, 2025).

Green check means up to date. Up to date

Verified:
Nov. 15, 2025

Last modified:
Jul. 8, 2022

§ 270.20. Unlawful wearing of body armor's source at nysenate​.gov

Link Style