No, brass knuckles are illegal in Tennessee under state law, classified as a prohibited weapon. Possession, manufacture, or sale violates Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1302, with exceptions for law enforcement or military personnel. Local ordinances, such as those enforced by the Nashville Metro Police Department, reinforce these restrictions, and recent 2026 legislative proposals aim to tighten penalties for illegal possession.
Key Regulations for Brass Knuckles in Tennessee
- Prohibited Possession: Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1302 explicitly bans brass knuckles, classifying them as a “prohibited weapon” with no civilian exceptions.
- Penalties: Violations may result in Class E felony charges, punishable by up to 6 years in prison and fines up to $3,000, per Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111.
- Local Enforcement: Municipalities like Memphis and Knoxville coordinate with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to prosecute illegal possession cases, particularly in high-risk areas.