Do Not Disturb (DND) Rules & SMS Marketing in the U.S.

Table of Contents:

1. Understanding Do Not Disturb Regulations
2. How DND Rules Affect SMS Marketing
   1. The Do Not Call Registry & Why It Doesn’t Apply to SMS
   2. What This Means for SMS Marketers
3. Best Practices for SMS Compliance

Understanding Do Not Disturb (DND) Regulations

In the U.S., Do Not Disturb (DND) rules are primarily designed to protect consumers from unwanted communications, ensuring they have control over the messages and calls they receive. These regulations apply to telemarketing, SMS marketing, and voice calls under various laws, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and state-level Mini-TCPA laws.

How DND Rules Affect SMS Marketing

While SMS marketing falls under TCPA compliance, it does not directly fall under the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry, which applies to voice calls, not text messages. However, businesses must still follow strict SMS opt-in and opt-out regulations to ensure compliance.

The Do Not Call Registry & Why It Doesn’t Apply to SMS

The National Do Not Call Registry, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), allows consumers to opt out of telemarketing calls. However, this registry only applies to voice calls—not text messages.

Here’s why the DNC Registry does not impact SMS marketing:

• DNC applies only to telemarketing calls – SMS messages are regulated under different guidelines.
• SMS compliance is based on express consent – Unlike phone calls, consumers must explicitly opt in to receive marketing texts.
• TCPA & CTIA provide separate SMS rules – SMS marketing follows opt-in and opt-out regulations that are independent of the DNC list.

What This Means for SMS Marketers

Even though SMS is not restricted by the DNC Registry, businesses must ensure compliance by:

• Obtaining clear opt-in consent before sending SMS messages.
• Including proper opt-out instructions (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”).
• Respecting Quiet Hours for SMS marketing (e.g., limiting messages between 8 AM – 9 PM in the recipient’s local time).
• Following TCPA & CTIA guidelines for responsible messaging.

Best Practices for SMS Compliance

To stay compliant with U.S. SMS marketing laws, follow these best practices:

• Use proper opt-in methods – Single or double opt-in, depending on regulations.
• Provide clear disclosures – Let users know what they’re signing up for.
• Send messages only during permitted hours – No sending outside legal hours.
• Allow easy opt-out – Always include “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” in your messages.
• Maintain SMS records – Keep track of opt-ins and opt-outs for compliance audits.

Need More Compliance Guidance?

For more details on SMS compliance, check out:

🔹 Compliance & Deliverability – Learn about SMS marketing regulations.

🔹 Quiet Hours & Sending Limits – Ensure your messages follow legal timing restrictions.

Still have questions? Contact our support team for further assistance.