# Subtitle 3 – Body Armor

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 3-1 Definitions.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 3-1 (2026)

(a) In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

(b) “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” 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” includes any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or other firearm.

*History: Ord. 00-058*

*History: Ord. 22-125*

## § 3-2 Prohibited conduct.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 3-2 (2026)

(a) 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) 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.

*History: Ord. 00-058*

## § 3-3 Exceptions.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 3-3 (2026)

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.

*History: Ord. 00-058*

## § 3-4 Authorized possession, transfer, etc.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 3-4 (2026)

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 <cite data-path="|19|§3-3">§ 3-3 of this subtitle</cite>; 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.

*History: Ord. 00-058*

## § 3-5 Identification required.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 3-5 (2026)

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.

*History: Ord. 00-058*

## § 3-6 Rules and regulations; fees.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 3-6 (2026)

(a) The Police Commissioner may adopt rules and regulations to carry out this subtitle.

(b) The Police Commissioner may establish and impose reasonable fees for undertaking a background check under this subtitle.

*History: Ord. 00-058*

## § 3-7 Penalties.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 3-7 (2026)

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.

*History: Ord. 00-058*