Article I, Section 26, of the Tennessee State Constitution reads: That the citizens of this state have a right to keep and to bear arms for their common defense; but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime. State supreme court rulings and state attorney general opinions interpret Section 26 to mean regulation cannot and should not interfere with the common lawful uses of firearms, including defense of the home and hunting, but should only be aimed at criminal behavior.
Andrews v. State (1870) and
Glasscock v. Chattanooga (1928) defined the meaning of regulating arms. "Going armed", carrying any sort of weapon for offense or defense in public, is a crime, except carrying a handgun for defense is allowed with a state-issued permit. Effective July 1, 2021, Tennessee no longer requires a permit to carry a handgun, whether openly or concealed for residents and non-residents. However, the state does still issue permits through the
Department of Safety to qualified residents 18 years or older. The length of the term for the initial license is determined by the age of the applicant. If renewed properly and on time, the license is renewed every 8 years. Tennessee recognizes any valid, out-of-state permit for carrying a handgun as long as the permittee is not a resident of Tennessee. Nonresidents are not issued permits unless they are regularly employed in the state. Permittees may carry handguns in most areas except civic centers, public recreation buildings and colleges. Businesses or landowners posting "no carry" signs may prohibit gun carry on any portion of their properties. Additionally, per Tenn. Code Ann. 39-17-1351 r.(1) a facially valid handgun permit, firearms permit, weapons permit or license issued by another state shall be valid in this state [Tennessee] according to its terms and shall be treated as if it is a handgun permit issued by this state [Tennessee]).
Vehicle Transportation A person may carry or transport a firearm within a motor vehicle or boat so long as they lawfully possess the firearm. However, if the vehicle is parked in a public or private parking area... • The vehicle must be permitted to park in that location • The firearm or ammunition must be stored in a location away from "ordinary observation" • If the owner of the firearm is not in the vehicle, the vehicle must be locked or the firearm must be stored in a locked container You do not break the law if someone observes your weapon in the process of it being stored in accordance with the law. ==Preemption==