Georgia regulates certain automated telephone systems through specific laws governing automatic dialing and announcing devices.
These systems can place calls and deliver prerecorded messages without requiring a live representative to speak during every communication.
Georgia Code Section 46-5-23 establishes requirements for covered equipment, including permits, written authorization, calling hours, and recorded-message identification.
Understanding these rules can help consumers recognize improper calling practices and businesses identify their legal obligations.
How Georgia Regulates Automatic Dialing Devices
An automatic dialing and announcing device is equipment capable of automatically dialing telephone numbers and delivering prerecorded voice messages.
Businesses may use this technology for sales, notifications, announcements, and other communications.
Georgia requires covered ADAD operators to obtain authorization from the Public Service Commission before using the equipment.
Permits are subject to renewal every two years.
The permit requirement operates separately from federal rules addressing automated and prerecorded telephone communications.
A business that satisfies one law must still consider other applicable requirements.
Did You Know? Georgia Has Specific Recorded-Message Rules
Georgia law includes detailed operational requirements for covered automated announcing equipment.
Recorded communications generally must identify the person or organization responsible for the call and provide a telephone number.
The identification information must appear within the first 25 seconds and again at the conclusion of the message.
The equipment must also disconnect within 10 seconds after the recipient terminates the call.
These requirements address both transparency and consumer control.
Written Consent for Automated Calls
Georgia's ADAD statute generally requires written consent from the person receiving covered calls.
The authorization must explain the purpose of the communication and how permission can be withdrawn.
Under the statute, the consent period is limited to two years.
This means businesses cannot necessarily rely indefinitely on an authorization obtained many years earlier.
Permitted Calling Hours
Georgia restricts covered ADAD calls to the period between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Calling outside permitted hours may violate state requirements.
Businesses must also comply with other applicable state and federal telemarketing restrictions.
Consumers should record the date and time of questionable automated calls.
What Happens When ADAD Rules Are Violated?
Violations of Georgia's ADAD requirements can result in enforcement consequences.
The statute includes misdemeanor provisions and allows regulatory action involving telephone service under specified circumstances.
However, Section 46-5-23 does not establish the same private statutory damages remedy found in Georgia's separate telephone solicitation law.
Consumers may have potential remedies under other state or federal provisions, depending on the facts.
Recognizing Potential ADAD Violations
Consumers should watch for:
Prerecorded calls delivered without required authorization.
Automated messages that fail to identify the caller.
Calls placed outside permitted hours.
Recorded messages that do not provide required contact information.
Repeated communications after a valid withdrawal of consent.
Not every prerecorded communication violates Georgia law. Statutory exceptions and the specific technology used can affect the analysis.
Common Questions Around Georgia Autodialer Laws
Are autodialers legal in Georgia?
Certain automated calling activities are permitted when operators satisfy applicable state and federal requirements.
Does Georgia require an ADAD permit?
Yes. Covered ADAD operators generally must obtain a permit from the Georgia Public Service Commission.
How long does written ADAD consent last?
The Georgia statute establishes a two-year consent period.
When can covered ADAD calls be made?
Generally between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Can consumers report unauthorized automated calls?
Yes. Suspected violations may be reported to the Georgia Public Service Commission or other appropriate authorities.
