Body Armor

Baltimore City Code art. 19, subtit. 3

in effect

Baltimore City Code, Article 19, § 3-1 Definitions.

§ 3-1. Definitions. (a) In general. In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated. (b) Ammunition. “Ammunition” means any cartridge, shell, or other device that contains explosive or incendiary material and is designed or intended for use in firearm. (c) Body armor. “Body armor” means any material or object that is designed to cover or be worn on any part of the body to prevent, deflect, or slow down the penetration of ammunition. (d) Firearm. “Firearm” includes any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or other firearm. (Ord. 22-125; Ord. 00-058.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 19, § 3-2 Prohibited conduct.

§ 3-2. Prohibited conduct. (a) Possession. No person may possess any body armor unless the person is: (1) an adult; and (2) expressly authorized under this subtitle to do so. (b) Transfer. No person may sell, give, or otherwise transfer, or attempt to sell, give, or otherwise transfer any body armor to: (1) any minor; or (2) except as expressly authorized in this subtitle, any other person. (Ord. 00-058.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 19, § 3-3 Exceptions.

§ 3-3. Exceptions. This subtitle does not apply to or prevent the possession of body armor by or the sale or other transfer of body armor to: (1) a Federal, State, City, or County law enforcement agency or officer; (2) a sheriff, Deputy Sheriff, or other employee designated by the Sheriff; (3) public safety officers, including fire and emergency medical services; (4) a State’s Attorney, Deputy State’s Attorney, Assistant State’s Attorney, or other employee designated by the State’s Attorney; (5) Special Police Officers commissioned by the State; (6) correctional officers; (7) licensed private detectives; (8) certified security guards; and (9) any other class of public safety personnel designated by the Police Commissioner. (Ord. 00-058.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 19, § 3-4 Authorized possession, transfer, etc.

§ 3-4. Authorized possession, transfer, etc. The possession of body armor by and the sale or other transfer of body armor to any person is authorized only if: (1) the person is one of those excepted under § 3-3 of this subtitle; or (2) after a background check, the Police Commissioner certifies that the person: (i) is not a minor; and (ii) has not been previously convicted of: (A) any felony; (B) any offense committed with or while possessing a firearm; or (C) any offense involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. (Ord. 00-058.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 19, § 3-5 Identification required.

§ 3-5. Identification required. No person may sell, give, or otherwise transfer or attempt to sell, give, or otherwise transfer any body armor to any individual without first verifying that the individual is authorized under this subtitle to obtain body armor. (Ord. 00-058.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 19, § 3-6 Rules and regulations; fees.

§ 3-6. Rules and regulations; fees. (a) In general. The Police Commissioner may adopt rules and regulations to carry out this subtitle. (b) Fees. The Police Commissioner may establish and impose reasonable fees for undertaking a background check under this subtitle. (Ord. 00-058.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 19, § 3-7 Penalties.

§ 3-7. Penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle or of a rule or regulation adopted under this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine of $1,000 or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (Ord. 00-058.)

Source: City of Baltimore Department of Legislative Reference, City of Baltimore Law Library (codes.baltimorecity.gov; Open Law Library bulk XML)URL: https://codes.baltimorecity.gov/us/md/cities/baltimore/code/19/3Fetched: 10/25/2026