tennessee open carry law

The Ins and Outs of Open Carry Laws in Tennessee

Open carry laws in Tennessee allow residents who legally own handguns to carry them unconcealed in public places. However, the right to open carry comes with certain restrictions and requirements that gun owners need to understand. This article will break down Tennessee’s open carry statute so you can exercise your Second Amendment rights responsibly.

What Does Tennessee’s Open Carry Law Allow?

Tennessee is an “unrestricted” open carry state, meaning that handguns may be carried openly in public places without any special permit. The state also honors most out-of-state concealed carry permits.
In addition to handguns, the open carry law allows for the open carry of long guns like rifles and shotguns, as long as the person carrying is legally allowed to possess the firearm. So convicted felons, for example, could not legally open carry rifles even though the general public can.

Where Can You Openly Carry a Handgun in Tennessee?

In general, it’s legal to openly carry a loaded handgun in most public areas like roads, streets, parks, etc. But there are some off-limits places where guns are not allowed at all, open or concealed:

• School grounds (K-12)
• School buses
• Courtrooms and judicial buildings
• Polling places on election days
• Areas of airports past TSA security checkpoints
• Certain private properties that ban guns (signage required)

So if you want to open carry, be aware of these gun-free zones. Entering them with a openly carried firearm would be a crime.
There’s also a more extensive list of places where concealed carry is banned but open carry may be okay. This includes bars, nightclubs, amusement parks, sports arenas, zoos, and more. Check Tennessee’s specific laws before openly carrying into any semi-private establishments.

Can Anyone Open Carry a Handgun in Tennessee?

No, you must meet certain requirements first:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Legally own the handgun you want to carry
• Not be prohibited from possessing firearms (e.g. felons, domestic abusers, etc.)

So while Tennessee’s open carry law is relatively permissive, it does not allow everyone to carry handguns out in the open. There are still important regulations on legal gun ownership that apply.

Do You Need Any Kind of Permit or License to Open Carry?

Nope! No license or permit is required to open carry a handgun in Tennessee, even for loaded weapons. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria listed above, you can immediately start legally open carrying once you purchase a handgun.
This sets Tennessee apart from many other states that require some form of permitting before allowing open carry. But even though no permit is mandatory, having an optional carry permit comes with certain benefits.
Namely, a Tennessee handgun carry permit makes it legal to carry concealed weapons and brings interstate reciprocity privileges when visiting other states. So getting permitted for concealed carry can maximize your overall rights as a gun owner.

Are There Any Rules or Restrictions on Openly Carried Handguns?

Yes, Tennessee law sets a few rules around openly carried handguns specifically:

• They must be worn in a belt or shoulder holster (not tucked into a pocket, waistband, etc.)
• Rifles and shotguns carried openly don’t need holsters but must be carried appropriately
• Long guns cannot be loaded in vehicles, but handguns can be
• No firearms may be brandished threateningly at other people

So proper carrying technique is mandated along with general safe handling practices. Open carry rights do not allow gun owners to wave weapons around irresponsibly. Brandishing laws still apply.
The holster rule for handguns aims to make open carry less alarming to the general public. Handguns must be clearly visible but also secured on the body in a recognizable holder device. This attempts to strike a reasonable balance between gun rights and public sensitivities.

How Does the Public Tend to React to Open Carry?

Reactions are mixed. Some Tennessee residents won’t bat an eye at seeing openly carried guns around town. But others may feel anxious or threatened at the sight of firearms in public venues like retail stores and sidewalks.
If you open carry, be prepared for scrutiny, questions, complaints, and possibly even police inquiries. But as long as you know the laws and comply with official guidance, there should be no issues. Being informed and responsible with open carry rights is key.
Some gun control advocates also argue that the mere presence of openly displayed guns can implicitly intimidate people, even if that’s not the carrier’s intent. So consider your surroundings before choosing to open carry, and be thoughtful about more sensitive spaces like political rallies, houses of worship, etc.

What Should You Do if Approached By Law Enforcement While Open Carrying?

First and foremost, always comply with officer instructions so the interaction goes smoothly. Inform them you are legally open carrying and have the proper credentials to prove it. Then provide your valid firearms license and any other requested documents for verification.
While not required, it can also help to proactively mention you have an openly holstered handgun when first contacted by police. That gives them advance notice and avoids escalations born from surprise. Just speak calmly and move slowly so officers remain comfortable at all times.
If questions ever arise about the legality of your conduct, don’t debate officers on the scene. Simply state your understanding of the law and cooperate fully. If they make a mistake or arrest you improperly, you can address it with your lawyer afterwards. Arguing with police on the spot rarely goes well!

In Conclusion

While Tennessee has relatively relaxed open carry laws, gun owners still must adhere to important regulations and protocols to avoid issues. You need to be of age, legally own your firearm, carry it appropriately, and avoid banned locations among other requirements. Handling open carry rights responsibly ensures self-defense rights remain protected for all law-abiding Tennesseans. So know the laws and stay out of trouble!