Tennessee gun laws: A closer look at carrying and ownership rules
Understanding Tennessee’s firearm regulations is essential for compliance and public safety. This guide provides an overview of key aspects of the state’s gun laws.
Permit to Purchase: Tennessee does not require a permit to purchase firearms. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase long guns and 21 years old to purchase handguns from licensed dealers. All purchasers are subject to a background check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) at the point of sale.
Firearm Registration
Registration: Tennessee does not require the registration of firearms. There is no firearm registration system in place for either long guns or handguns.
Carrying and Transporting Firearms
Permitless Carry: As of July 1, 2021, Tennessee allows permitless carry for individuals 21 and older, and military personnel aged 18 to 20, to carry a handgun, openly or concealed, without a permit. This law applies to both residents and non-residents who are legally permitted to possess a firearm.
Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP): While permitless carry is legal, Tennessee offers an Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit for those who wish to carry in certain locations that may be restricted under permitless carry. Applicants must complete an 8-hour handgun safety course and meet other eligibility requirements.
Open Carry: Open carry of handguns is legal in Tennessee for individuals who are legally permitted to possess a firearm. Long guns may be openly carried; however, local ordinances may impose restrictions.
Transporting Firearms: Firearms may be transported in a vehicle. Handguns can be carried loaded by individuals who are legally permitted to possess a firearm. Long guns should be unloaded while being transported.
Restrictions in Specific Locations
Prohibited Areas: Even with permitless carry or an EHCP, firearms are prohibited in certain places, including:
Schools (K-12) and school property
Public and private school/college/university buildings, property, events, and buses
Judicial proceeding rooms
Civic centers
Municipal, county, and state government recreational property
Penal institutions
Establishments that serve alcohol, if the individual is consuming alcohol
Any place where firearms are prohibited by federal law
Private properties that have posted “No Firearms” signs
Firearm Transfers and Sales
Private Sales: Private sales of firearms between individuals do not require a background check under Tennessee law. However, it is illegal to knowingly sell a firearm to someone who is prohibited from possessing one.
Dealer Sales: Licensed firearms dealers are required to conduct background checks through the TBI for all firearm sales. There is no mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases in Tennessee.
Self-Defense Laws
Castle Doctrine: Tennessee law allows individuals to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves against an intruder in their home, business, or vehicle without a duty to retreat.
Stand Your Ground: Tennessee’s “Stand Your Ground” law permits individuals to use force in self-defense without a duty to retreat when they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Criminal Charges: Violations of firearm laws can result in misdemeanors or felonies, leading to fines, imprisonment, and loss of firearm rights.
Firearm Confiscation: Illegal possession or use of firearms can lead to confiscation by law enforcement.
Recent Legislative Updates
Permitless Carry Law: Effective July 1, 2021, Tennessee implemented a permitless carry law, allowing eligible individuals to carry handguns without a permit. This law does not extend to long guns.
Anti-Red Flag Law: In May 2024, Tennessee enacted legislation preventing local governments from enforcing extreme risk protection orders, commonly known as red flag laws.
Staying informed about Tennessee’s firearm laws is crucial for legal compliance and safety. For the most current information, consult official state resources or legal counsel.
Sources
National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action. (n.d.). Tennessee State Gun Laws and Regulations Explained. Retrieved from NRAILA
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, October 24). Gun laws in Tennessee. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from Wikipedia
US Concealed Carry Association. (n.d.). Tennessee Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws. Retrieved from US Concealed Carry
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Gun laws are subject to frequent changes and may vary in interpretation and application. We recommend consulting official state laws or seeking professional legal advice to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your situation.
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