Open Carry in Tennessee

Allowed for handguns: the permitless-carry exception covers carrying a handgun 'whether openly or concealed' by a person 21 or older (18 or older with qualifying military service) who lawfully possesses it and is lawfully present. Holders of an enhanced handgun carry permit may also carry openly; the concealed handgun carry permit covers concealed carry. The permitless-carry rule applies to handguns, not long guns; carrying a firearm with intent to go armed is otherwise an offense unless an exception or defense in § 39-17-1307 applies.

A person who may carry without a permit (21 or older, or 18 or older with qualifying military service, lawfully possessing the handgun and lawfully present) may carry a handgun, openly or concealed, including in a vehicle, under the general permitless-carry exception. In a public or private parking area, a permit holder or a person lawfully carrying a handgun may transport and store a firearm or ammunition in a vehicle parked where it is permitted to be; it must be kept from ordinary observation while the person is in the vehicle, and when the person is not in the vehicle it must also be locked in the trunk, glove box or interior, or a container securely affixed to the vehicle.

Main places: (1) public or private school buildings, buses, campuses and grounds (carrying a weapon with intent to go armed is a Class E felony; possessing a firearm is a Class B misdemeanor), with an exception for a nonstudent adult whose firearm stays in a private vehicle and is not handled; (2) any building where judicial proceedings are in progress (Class E felony); (3) property where the owner or operator posts the statutory 'NO FIREARMS ALLOWED' sign (Class B misdemeanor, fine only of $500); (4) possessing a firearm in a public establishment serving alcohol for on-premises consumption while consuming alcohol, and possessing a handgun while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.