Effective July 1, 2021, Tennessee’s Constitution Carry law allows individuals over the age of 21 (or military members between ages 18 to 20) to carry a firearm, both concealed and open, with or without a carry permit.  However, this new law does not impact a private Tennessee business’ right to prohibit the possession of weapons on its property, including possession by employees; provided, the business displays the required notice outlined in T.C.A. Section 39-17-1359 and permits individuals to store the firearm within his or her vehicle under Tennessee’s Guns in Trunks law (T.C.A. Section 39-17-1313).

As a refresher, Tennessee’s Guns in Trunks law allows individuals to transport and store a firearm or firearm ammunition in the person’s motor vehicle while on or utilizing any public or private parking area if the following is true:

  • The person’s motor vehicle is parked in a location where the motor vehicle is permitted to be.
  • The firearm or ammunition being transported or stored in the motor vehicle is kept from ordinary observation if the person is in the vehicle, or if the person is not in the vehicle, is kept from ordinary observation and locked within the trunk, glove box, or interior of the person’s vehicle or a container securely affixed to the vehicle.

If you have any questions about this topic, please contact the author.