Tennessee Statewide Rule
Tennessee Do Not Knock and Solicitation Refusal Rights
Key Facts
- Trespass Statute
- TCA 39-14-405
- State Registry
- None
- Sign Effect
- Legal notice given
- Local Registries
- Permitted
Summary
Tennessee enforces solicitation refusal at private residences through trespass law, allowing posted no-soliciting signs to create criminal liability for non-compliant door-to-door visitors.
(c) The defenses to prosecution set out in subsection (b) shall not be applicable to a person violating this section if the property owner: (1) Posts the property with signs that are visible at all major points of ingress to the property being posted and the signs are reasonably likely to come to the attention of a person entering the property; or
Full Breakdown
Tennessee does not maintain a statewide no-knock registry like some states, but TCA 39-14-405 criminal trespass makes entering or remaining on property after notice not to enter a Class C misdemeanor. A clearly posted no-soliciting or no-trespassing sign provides legal notice. Charitable and religious solicitation receives First Amendment protection but remains subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. Cities may establish do-not-knock registries enforceable by ordinance. The Home Solicitation Sales Act under TCA 47-18-701 supplements these protections with mandatory disclosures whenever a solicitor does engage a resident.
Violations & Penalties
Ignoring a posted no-soliciting sign can constitute Class C misdemeanor trespass with fines up to $50 per offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tennessee have a no-knock registry?
Is a no-soliciting sign legally enforceable?
Sources
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