In France, the wearing of bulletproof vests by civilians is authorized, under certain conditions. Unlike weapons, which are strictly regulated, bulletproof vests are considered personal protective equipment, and their use is not regulated by specific legislation prohibiting them.

Legally, what does the law say about wearing a bulletproof vest?

The wearing of bulletproof vests by civilians is permitted by default, under Article 5 of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which states that everything that is not prohibited by law is permitted . In other words, since there is no law that specifically prohibits the wearing of bulletproof vests, their use is legal.

However, certain rules must be respected: for example, the vest must not have official markings (such as "POLICE" or "CUSTOMS"), in order to avoid any confusion with the police.

Ballistic standards to be respected

Even if wearing is authorized, the bulletproof vest must meet specific standards, in particular those defined by the decree of September 28, 2018, which regulates ballistic protection equipment used in France. This decree mentions that the vests must meet the criteria of class 3A of the NIJ (National Institute of Justice) standards , guaranteeing protection against various ballistic threats.

Precautions when wearing a bulletproof vest

Wearing a bulletproof vest, while legal, can attract the attention of law enforcement. Officers may conduct a check to ensure that the individual does not pose a threat. Therefore, it is recommended to wear this equipment discreetly to avoid potentially uncomfortable situations.

In summary: Can you wear bulletproof clothing in France?

Yes , wearing a bulletproof vest is legal in France for civilians, provided that it complies with safety standards and does not bear official insignia. For anyone wishing to wear this type of protection, discretion is advised in order to avoid misunderstandings with the authorities.