Jazmin Li
Gun control laws are extensive and often amended, and while Tennessee allows permitless open and concealed carry for anyone 21 or older, federal regulations prohibit firearms, explosives, and other dangerous weapons in airports under most circumstances. Nashville Airport, like any other airport, has strict rules regarding firearms, and even accidentally having a firearm at a security checkpoint may result in a criminal charge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carrying a gun on Nashville airport property | Generally prohibited |
| Gun possession at the airport | May constitute a Tennessee felony offense |
| Exceptions | Authorized law enforcement officers with an operational need to have a firearm accessible while onboard the aircraft |
| Violation of airport security without the intent to commit a felony | Class A misdemeanor in Tennessee |
| Penalty for conviction | Maximum jail sentence of 11 months and 29 days |
| Other penalties | Fine or penalty under federal laws and regulations |
| Gun control laws | Extensive, frequently amended, and often difficult to understand without a legal background |
| Tennessee law | Local governments are generally prohibited from preventing concealed carry permit holders from possessing handguns on property owned or administered by the local government |
| Exceptions to Tennessee law | Buildings that provide metal detectors and security officers at each public entrance |
| Buildings exempt from the above | Schools, colleges or universities, libraries, licensed mental health and substance abuse facilities, law enforcement agency buildings, and courtrooms |
| Tennessee law on possession of firearms | Generally prohibited in refuges, public hunting areas, or wildlife management areas |
| Exceptions to the above | During specified or lawful open hunting seasons |
| Tennessee law on possession of firearms | Generally allowed within the confines of a licensed establishment where alcohol is served unless the possessor is consuming alcohol on the premises |
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What You'll Learn
Tennessee airport gun laws
Tennessee gun laws allow permitless open and concealed carry for anyone 21 or older (or 18 and above for those honorably discharged or active duty military personnel who have completed basic training) who may lawfully possess a handgun, is in a place where they have a right to be, and meets three additional criteria. However, this does not apply to government buildings and schools, which are off-limits.
A violation of airport security without the intent to commit a felony is a Class A misdemeanour in Tennessee, which may result in a maximum jail sentence of 11 months and 29 days. If convicted, the defendant may also be charged with related weapons offences, such as carrying a handgun without a permit, and be subject to a large fine or penalty under federal laws.
If a person violates airport security with the intent to commit a felony, they may be charged with a Class E felony in Tennessee, which can result in a prison sentence of one to six years, probation, or a fine. The defendant will also be subject to criminal penalties from the underlying felony conviction.
It is important for passengers to be aware of the contents of their carry-on bags and to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to ensure compliance with local and state laws.
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Nashville airport security
Carrying Firearms at Nashville Airport
Under federal regulations, firearms, explosives, and other dangerous weapons are prohibited in airports under most circumstances. These laws apply to individuals carrying firearms, handguns, and ammunition on their person or in carry-on luggage in most areas of the airport, even with a valid Tennessee permit. Only certain authorised law enforcement officers are exempt from these rules, and they must have an operational need to have a firearm accessible while on board the aircraft.
Penalties for Violating Airport Security
A violation of airport security may be committed even when the defendant did not mean to bring a gun on their flight and simply forgot that it was with them. The only intent required is their intent to enter the airport security area or aircraft. Violating airport security without the intent to commit a felony is a Class A misdemeanour in Tennessee, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail. A defendant may also be charged with related weapons offences, such as carrying a handgun without a permit, and may be subject to a large fine or penalty under federal laws.
Gun Possession Laws in Tennessee
Tennessee allows most adults to carry a handgun or other firearms without a permit, whether openly or concealed, as long as they are in lawful possession of the gun and are in a place where they are lawfully present. This law applies to people who are 21 years or older and military members who are at least 18 years old. Tennessee generally allows the possession of firearms within licensed establishments that serve alcoholic beverages, unless the possessor is consuming alcohol on the premises.
Advice for Gun Owners
Given the complex and frequently changing nature of gun control laws, gun owners are advised to seek legal advice if they have questions about open carry laws or are facing charges for a gun crime. Nashville gun crime lawyers can provide guidance and representation to people facing repercussions for firearm or other weapons violations.
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Criminal charges for gun possession
In Nashville, Tennessee, federal regulations prohibit individuals from possessing firearms, handguns, and ammunition on their person or in carry-on luggage in most areas of the airport, even with a valid Tennessee permit. The only exceptions are for some authorised law enforcement officers who have an operational need to have a firearm accessible while on board the aircraft.
Tennessee law also designates specific "airport security zones" where the carrying of firearms and ammunition is generally prohibited. These zones include the areas beyond the security checkpoint, boarding areas, and terminals. Violating these restrictions can lead to criminal charges.
If you are found to be in possession of a firearm at an airport in Tennessee, you may be charged with a violation of airport security or a Tennessee felony offense, even if you did not mean to bring the firearm with you and simply forgot. The only intent required is your intent to enter the airport security area or aircraft.
If convicted of a violation of airport security without the intent to commit a felony, you may be sentenced to a maximum of 11 months and 29 days in jail and be subject to a large fine or penalty under federal laws and regulations. If convicted with the intent to commit a felony, you may receive a prison sentence of one to six years, probation, or a fine, in addition to criminal penalties from the underlying felony conviction.
If you are facing criminal charges for gun possession at an airport, seeking assistance from a criminal defense lawyer may help mitigate the consequences. A skilled lawyer can fight to have the charges thrown out or negotiate a satisfactory plea agreement to avoid excessive penalties.
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Law enforcement exceptions
While firearms, explosives, and other dangerous weapons are prohibited in most areas of Nashville International Airport, there are some exceptions for law enforcement officers. These officers must have written authorization and an operational need to have a firearm accessible while on board the aircraft.
In the state of Tennessee, it is a Class E felony if a person violates airport security with the intent to commit a federal or state felony crime. If convicted, the defendant may receive a prison sentence of one to six years, probation, or a fine. Additionally, they will be subject to criminal penalties from the underlying felony conviction.
Even accidentally having a firearm at a security checkpoint may result in a criminal charge and a fine. However, if you are a law enforcement officer with written authorization and a justifiable reason for carrying a firearm, you may be exempt from these penalties.
When traveling with a firearm, it is important to comply with local, state, and international laws. Firearms must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided container, and transported as checked baggage. Small arms ammunition must be packaged in a cardboard, wood, plastic, or metal box and declared to the airline. Law enforcement officers should refer to Title 49 CFR § 1544.219 for specific requirements.
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Gun control laws and amendments
In the United States, the right to keep and bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states: "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Despite this, there are laws and amendments in place that control the use and possession of firearms.
The National Firearms Act (NFA), signed into law in 1934, was the first federal legislation to enforce gun control, imposing a tax on the manufacture and transfer of Title II weapons. The Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended over the years, is the primary vehicle for the federal regulation of firearms. It prohibits certain persons from receiving firearms and makes it a felony for a licensed dealer to transfer a firearm to someone prohibited from receiving one.
Some state laws have stricter controls on firearms than federal law. For example, in 1993, Virginia limited handgun sales to one per month per person, resulting in a significant drop in gun-related crimes. Maryland's ban on the production and sale of cheap handguns has also reduced gun-related crimes in the state.
To address rising youth gun homicides in the early 1990s, President Clinton signed the Youth Handgun Safety Act into law in 1994. This act generally bans handgun possession by those under 18 and prohibits adults from transferring handguns to juveniles.
More recently, in 2016, President Barack Obama announced new executive actions on gun control, including expanded background checks and increased funding for mental health care and law enforcement training.
In Tennessee, where Nashville is located, state law allows permitless open and concealed carry for anyone 21 or older (or 18 and above with an honorable military discharge) who may lawfully possess a handgun. However, federal regulations prohibit individuals from possessing firearms, handguns, and ammunition in most areas of an airport, even with a valid Tennessee permit. Violating airport security with a firearm can result in criminal charges and hefty fines.
While the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms, it is not a right to carry any weapon in any manner. Courts have upheld prohibitions on firearm possession by felons and the mentally ill, and laws forbidding firearms in schools and government buildings. The Supreme Court has also ruled that states cannot require "proper cause" for issuing a concealed carry license, but "shall-issue" permitting with objective criteria is allowed.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is illegal to carry a gun on Nashville airport property. Even accidentally or forgetfully having a firearm with you at a security checkpoint may result in a criminal charge and a hefty fine.
If you are caught with a gun at Nashville airport, you will likely be arrested and may face a prison sentence of between one and six years, probation, or a fine.
Yes, there are limited exceptions for certain law enforcement officers who may fly armed by meeting the requirements of Title 49 CFR § 1544.219.
