What consent is required for Prerecorded Messages in South Carolina?

South Carolina has a mini-TCPA (S.C. Code § 16-17-446) that imposes stricter consent rules than federal TCPA. Prior express written consent is generally required.

What are the calling hour restrictions in South Carolina?

South Carolina restricts telemarketing calls to 08:00:00–21:00:00 local time.

What is the penalty per violation in South Carolina?

Up to $1,000 per violation (or $5,000 for willful violations). Private right of action available.

Is registration required to telemarket in South Carolina?

South Carolina does not require separate telemarketer registration; federal FTC rules still apply.

Home / States / South Carolina

South Carolina Telecom Compliance Guide

Telecom Compliance Reference — Updated January 2023

Mini-TCPA State — High Risk

Calling Hours

8:00 AM–9:00 PM

Min Penalty

$1,000

Registration

Not Required

Overview Calling Hours Consent Registration DNC Compliance DNC Registry Enforcement Case Law Legislation

South Carolina Prerecorded Messages Compliance

Robocall and prerecorded message compliance rules in South Carolina

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Mini-TCPA State — S.C. Code § 16-17-446

South Carolina has enacted a state-level TCPA that goes beyond federal requirements. Federal compliance alone is not enough for Prerecorded Messages operations here.

Consent Requirements

Consent LevelPrior Express

Checkbox ConsentValid

StatuteS.C. Code Ann. § 16-17-446

South Carolina specifically regulates prerecorded calls — a live operator must introduce the call within 2 seconds or the call violates the statute. Prior consent of the called party provides an exemption. Criminal penalty only (misdemeanor, up to $100 fine).

Full consent requirements for all channels →

Calling Rules

Calling Hours8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

RegistrationNot Required

Penalty / Violation$1,000

Willful Violation$5,000

Private Right of ActionYES

Prerecorded Messages Compliance Checklist

01Prior express written consent required for most prerecorded calls

02Disclose name and phone number of calling company at start

03Provide automated opt-out mechanism during call

04Do not abandon calls — hang-up rate limits apply

05Cannot use prerecorded messages on cell phones without consent

06Apply same calling-hours restrictions as live calls

07Scrub DNC lists before every campaign

08Register as telemarketer if state requires

09Do not transmit inaccurate caller ID

10Document consent for every number you call

This checklist covers common requirements. State-specific rules may vary. Confirm with legal counsel for high-volume campaigns.

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This is a compliance reference tool, not legal advice. Data compiled from public statutes, LegiScan, CourtListener, state AG offices, and AI-assisted analysis. Verify all information with qualified counsel before relying on it. Full terms & data sources →