The TCPA prohibits telephone solicitations, including text messages, before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. in the recipient's local time zone (referred to as "quiet hours"), though some states have stricter regulations. To stay compliant, it’s safest to send texts between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. in the recipient’s time zone. The FCC's rules further reinforce this by specifying that telemarketing calls and texts should not occur outside these hours in the recipient's local time, as part of the FCC’s efforts to protect consumers from unwanted disturbances.
Sending messages outside of the designated quiet hours (before 8 am or after 9 pm in the recipient's local time zone) can result in significant fines under the TCPA, should the end user file a complaint. The penalties are:
- Standard penalty: Up to $500 per message sent.
- Willful or knowing violations: Up to $1,500 per message sent
These fines can accumulate quickly, especially if multiple messages are sent in violation of the rules.
Take a look at the Sinch SMS Product page to learn more about our SMS products, or click here to sign up to our self-service portal and get started today.
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