State law guide · California

Unwanted calls and texts in California: what the rules say

California regulates certain recorded sales calls made with automatic dialing-announcing devices. The CPUC says covered devices may be used from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. California time, and the recording generally must be introduced by a live person and heard with the recipient's consent.

Where the rules draw a line

The CPUC describes exceptions for certain school, bank, cable, utility, and emergency communications. California also has a separate statute addressing certain commercial text-message advertisements; this is not a rule covering every unwanted text. The state uses the National Do Not Call Registry for registration.

What this can mean for a consumer

For a recorded-call complaint, the CPUC directs consumers to the FCC complaint process. You can also register a number on the National Do Not Call Registry. This page does not state a consumer damages amount; any potential recovery depends on the specific statute and facts.

Keep the details

Save the full text thread, call log, voicemails, dates and times, the company or product named, and any reply asking the sender to stop. Those details can help show what happened; they do not establish by themselves that a law was violated.

Official California sources

This page is general information, not legal advice. State and federal rules have different definitions, exceptions, and deadlines. Whether a rule applies depends on the facts and current law.