Tennessee laws by category

Consumer ("common") fireworks are legal statewide in Tennessee, but subject to strong local option — counties and cities may restrict or fully ban them. Nashville/Davidson and Knoxville ban consumer fireworks entirely (TCA Title 68, Ch. 104).

Tennessee allows carrying a handgun, openly or concealed, without a permit only if you are at least 21 and may lawfully possess it (Tenn. Code § 39-17-1307(g), 2021 Public Chapter 108). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Tennessee is not a control state — both wholesale and retail are private: spirits and wine are sold at private package (liquor) stores, while beer and, since 2016, wine are sold in grocery and convenience stores. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission is the regulator.

Radar detectors are legal in passenger vehicles — no Tennessee statute prohibits them. They are banned in commercial motor vehicles under federal rule 49 CFR 392.71.

In Tennessee, from Oct 15–May 15 (the State Forester may set a different period), anyone starting an open-air fire within 500 ft of forest, grassland or woodland must first get a one-day burn permit from the Division of Forestry (TCA 39-14-306); burning without one is a Class C misdemeanor. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Tennessee, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 13 (children 12 and under are exempt; ages 13–15 need the junior license). Licenses are issued by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

The general state sales tax rate is 7%. Each county and/or city adds a local option sales tax on top (commonly up to 2.75%), so combined rates run about 9% to 9.75%.

Cannabis is illegal in Tennessee, which has no recreational program and no operational medical program. The only allowance is a narrow one for low-THC CBD oil (under 0.9% THC) for qualifying patients. Marijuana (more than 0.3% delta-9 THC) is illegal.

Tennessee requires minimum 500 sq in of daylight fluorescent orange on upper body and head, visible front and back, for big-game hunting; archery-only and turkey are exempt.

Tennessee sports betting is legal online/mobile only — there is no retail — and you must be 21+. Tennessee has no casinos; multiple licensed apps operate. Regulated by the TN Sports Wagering Council.

Tennessee requires every resident born after January 1, 1989 to pass the TWRA Boating Safety Exam and have the wallet certificate on their person while operating any vessel. Non-residents born after January 1, 1989 need a NASBLA-approved boating safety certificate to operate a boat over 8.5 hp in Tennessee.

Switchblades are legal to own, possess, transfer and transport — Public Chapter 647 of 2014 removed them from the prohibited-weapons list effective July 1, 2014. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Tennessee (TCA 39-13-903) makes it a Class C misdemeanor to use a drone to capture an image of a person or private property with intent to conduct surveillance.