Tennessee Carry Laws and Regulations

[canuck]

My wife and I are going to be traveling to Gatlinburg, TN in April of this year, and want to be sure of carry laws before we go. I have read over the Tennessee section of www.handgunlaws.us and need just a bit more clarification. I also spoke to someone at the TN State Police, and they advised that we look at that webpage also. I just want to be sure that there are no certain calibers that are restricted, and that there are no restrictions on barrel length or magazine size or capacity. I plan to carry a Smith and Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380, while my wife plans to carry a Taurus Model 85 in 38. Also, are there any regulations restricting the use or carry of hollow point ammunition.

 

[BobTheTomato]

Bad link....should point to:

http://www.handgunlaw.us/

 

[LocoGringo]

No restrictions on the subjects that you mentioned. If your permit is recognized in Tennessee, there aren't any dangerous traps to worry about. Tennessee is a free state.

 

[Mousegun]

A posted business carries the weight of the law not just a trespassing offense if discovered.

I believe it goes down as a misdemeanor with possible fine.

Here is a pretty good run down.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_Tennessee

Vehicle carry without a permit, as part of the castle doctrine, was recently passed. No permit, the gun can;t leave the car.

Oh, and switchblades were also made legal.

 

[steve4102]

Just remember, it is against Federal law to carry within 1000 feet of a school zone even with an Out-of-State permit.

 

[KevinB]

Again, no restrictions regarding type of handgun or magazine capacity. Your ammunition is also fine. Welcome to the free state of Tennessee. I'm always so happy to return when we've been off vacationing elsewhere. My wife and I visit the Gatlinburg area frequently and have never had any issues.

 

[FIGHT NIGHT]

My and the wife have went to Gatlinburg the last 2 summers and I've carried both trips. My understanding is they honor Indiana's permit so no worries.

Some of the most friendly people ever are in the area. One of my most favorite places to visit since it's so close to us. Enjoy your trip and make sure you go 4 wheeling!

 

[steelerdude99]

My wife and I are going to be traveling to Gatlinburg, TN in April of this year, and want to be sure of carry laws before we go. ...

When traveling in TN, make sure you and all of your passengers aware of your plans. In 2013, I was stopped by Tennessee Drug Enforcement Patrol along I-40 because the officer claimed I got too close the tractor-trailer in front of me. After looking at my license, registration and running my plates, the officer asked me outside of my vehicle and questioned me about “Where I was going and who I was going to be seeing” …. Then he asked my wife the same questions. The alleged traffic violation discussion was about 10-15 seconds… the remaining 10 minutes of my (our) discussion with the officer were travel planes. Luckily our stories matched. No questions asked about firearms. No ticket and no request to search.

chuck

 

[HexHead]

When traveling in TN, make sure you and all of your passengers aware of your plans. In 2013, I was stopped by Tennessee Drug Enforcement Patrol along I-40 because the officer claimed I got too close the tractor-trailer in front of me. After looking at my license, registration and running my plates, the officer asked me outside of my vehicle and questioned me about “Where I was going and who I was going to be seeing” …. Then he asked my wife the same questions. The alleged traffic violation discussion was about 10-15 seconds… the remaining 10 minutes of my (our) discussion with the officer were travel planes. Luckily our stories matched. No questions asked about firearms. No ticket and no request to search.

chuck

They were hoping they could confiscate large quantities of cash. We're you going westbound on I-40?

Both the new DA and Holder's recent announcement about federal forfeiture rules should be putting a stop that crap.

 

[HexHead]

A posted business carries the weight of the law not just a trespassing offense if discovered.

I believe it goes down as a misdemeanor with possible fine.

And it can be just a little circle/slash decal on the door that's easily missed.

Yes, a Class C misdemeanor with a $500 fine.

 

[steelerdude99]

They were hoping they could confiscate large quantities of cash. We're you going westbound on I-40?

Both the new DA and Holder's recent announcement about federal forfeiture rules should be putting a stop that crap.

HexHead,
Yes it was westbound I-40. It was not even TN State Police. I recall something like "...DRUG Enforcement" on their vehicle, an big SUV. Fishing expeditions for sure.

I would be more concerned in a state like MD NJ or NY, where just having a carry permit issued to travelers is an problem. CARRY PERMIT >>> gun owner >>> maybe their gun is in this vehicle. Virgina how has a proposed law that does not allow states without Virgina reciprocity to access if the person is a permit holder. (SB948 would make concealed carry holder information inaccessible to other law enforcement agencies unless there is a reciprocity agreement)

chuck

 

[steve4102]

and questioned me about “Where I was going and who I was going to be seeing” …. Then he asked my wife the same questions.

Why would you answer those questions in the first place?

 

[HexHead]

HexHead,
Yes it was westbound I-40. It was not even TN State Police. I recall something like "...DRUG Enforcement" on their vehicle, an big SUV. Fishing expeditions for sure.

I would be more concerned in a state like MD NJ or NY, where just having a carry permit issued to travelers is an problem. CARRY PERMIT >>> gun owner >>> maybe their gun is in this vehicle. Virgina how has a proposed law that does not allow states without Virgina reciprocity to access if the person is a permit holder. (SB948 would make concealed carry holder information inaccessible to other law enforcement agencies unless there is a reciprocity agreement)

chuck

These "Highwaymen" with badges couldn't care less about you having a gun in the car. They worked for the 23rd District DA and were only interested in stopping people, usually with out of state plates, to search for cash to "confiscate".

Nashville's NewsChannel5 investigative reporter Phil Williams did an expose on these crooks and brought a lot of heat onto them. You can see his reports on newschannel5.com and click on Investigates.

 

[steelerdude99]

Why would you answer those questions in the first place?

Steve,
I answered all of the questions asked by the officer. I saw where the asking detailed questions about my itinerary was going. Had I been asked if the officer if he may search, I was prepared to say "no". It was to looking like the stop was not at all about traffic safety, but about drug trafficking or perhaps (as HexHead says) looking for cash.

chuck