Understanding Federal and Local Call Time and Date Regulations

Understanding and Adhering to State Calling Rules

National and local call centers should be aware of and adhere to call-time laws to avoid fines. While federal laws cover all US jurisdictions, stricter, state-level regulations can supersede them. These regulations cover time-of-day, day-of-week, and holidays. 

It is crucial to ensure that your team knows when you can and cannot call leads based on the time of day or the day of the year. To help set you on the right path, we have put together this quick guide. This guide lists states with stricter calling hours and restricted state holidays. As always, please make sure you consult
your local state regulations and review this list with your internal compliance team.

How early is too early, and how late is too late to call your prospects and internet leads?

Even though Federal Law allows calling between 8 AM and 9 PM, some states place additional restrictions on calling hours. For instance, Florida law SB 1120 limits telemarketing to three calls per number between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. 

What days are off-limits for telemarketing calls?

Some states restrict specific days of the week and public holidays, as noted below.

See: How to Avoid Spam Flagging on Your Outbound Calls

Important Note: State-specific Do-Not-Call legislation is continually changing. ClickPoint Software strongly recommends consulting with your legal department regarding rules and regulations related to telemarketing calls for each state. The information outlined below does not constitute legal advice.

The table below lists states with rules that are more strict than federal regulations.

Legal Holidays by State

Several states have additional Do Not Call restrictions depending on the legal holiday. 

Additional Details

• Alabama: If any holiday falls on Sunday, the following day (Monday) is the holiday. If any holiday falls on Saturday, the preceding day (Friday) is the holiday. Ala. Code § 1-3-8(a).
• Louisiana: This chart only includes DNC holidays identified by the Louisiana Public Service Commission. According to the PSC, there are no calling restrictions on other legal holidays (specified in La. Stat. § 1:55). The Governor may declare other holidays.
• Mississippi: If any holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a legal holiday. Miss. Stat. § 3-3-7.
• Nebraska: Does not prohibit calls on Sundays or legal holidays; however, it does restrict the use of prerecorded messages from 1 pm to 9 pm on these days (subject to certain exceptions). Neb. Admin. Code Title 291 Ch. 11 § 3.
• Rhode Island: If New Years Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, or Christmas falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Monday after that shall be a legal holiday. R.I. Stat. § 25-1-1.
• Utah: If any holiday falls on Sunday, the following day (Monday) is the holiday. If any holiday falls on Saturday, the preceding day (Friday) is the holiday. Utah Code § 63G-1-301.
• Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office designates the following holidays as “legal holidays.” The Governor may declare other holidays; if any Independence Day, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, the following day shall be a legal holiday. 7 P.S. 113.

States of Emergency

For Louisiana and New York, calling is prohibited in areas under a state of emergency.