Tennessee Do Not Call Program

The Tennessee Do Not Call Program is designed to provide relief to Tennessee citizens from unwanted telemarketing calls to their residence.

The Tennessee Do-Not-Call Telephone Sales Solicitation law  T.C.A. Section 65-4-401 et seq., directs the Tennessee Public Utility Commission to promulgate regulations and to compile and maintain a "Do-Not-Call Register." The register consists of land line and cell phone numbers of Tennessee residential telephone subscribers who have elected not to receive telephone solicitations. Business numbers may not be included on the list.

The law prohibits those attempting to sell consumer goods and services by telephone from calling telephone numbers that appear on the "Do-Not-Call" Register. However, there are some exemptions: First, telephone solicitors may still call in response to an express invitation or permission by the person being called. Second, solicitors may call on behalf of a not-for-profit organization if the call is made by a member of the specific not-for-profit organization. Third, soliciting is allowed if the person or entity making the telephone call has had a business relationship with the person being called within the previous twelve (12) months. Fourth, solicitation is permitted if the business calling does not sell or engage in telephone solicitation and does not make more than three (3) calls in any one calendar week.

The Tennessee Do-Not-Call law only authorizes the regulation of telemarketing for commercial purposes; political telemarketing is not covered by this law. Because of free speech guarantees in the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed for the regulation of commercial speech but has provided political speech with much greater protection from government regulation. Therefore, political speech, including telemarketing promoting such, is not regulated by any state or federal do-not-call program. For non-registration questions, call 615-770-6897 or 1-800-342-8359.

Do Not Call Manager

Jimmie Hughes
Consumer Services Division
615-770-6897
jimmie.hughes@tn.gov