Referencing Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1313(a), a few law websites say this only allows valid permit holders to store firearms in their car in any parking place. My permit application is still pending (background check processing) and my employer prohibits firearms on the premises. Can I still store my guns in the car while it is parked in the employee lot, or does the protection in the above law only apply to those carrying valid permits? My own reading of the code seems to indicate only permit holders are protected, but common knowledge from other gun owners (and even my employer, who is not anti-gun) is that any lawful firearm owner can store guns in the car on the company parking lot. I’m not worried about my employer, he’s ok with guns in the car. I’m just trying to make sure I’m complying with the law.
Ask your local sheriff - Ultimately he or she will be the one determining how that law is enforced. No harm in asking respectfully - they typically respond favorably to one who is making every reasonable effort to comply.
The USCCA Reciprocity Map has it like this
STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT?
Does Tennessee have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? Employers cannot prohibit their employees from transporting or storing a firearm or firearm ammunition in an employer parking area if the firearm or ammunition is kept from ordinary observation in a locked compartment within the vehicle or in a container securely affixed to such motor vehicle.
Handgun carry permit holders may also store their firearms in their vehicles on public or private property so long as the vehicle is in a place it is allowed to be and the firearm is kept from ordinary observation in a locked compartment within the vehicle or in a container securely affixed to such motor vehicle.
[Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-1-312][Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1313(a)]