Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Maryland Code, Public Utilities § 8-204

Current as of December 31, 2021 | Updated by FindLaw Staff

(a) This section does not apply to:

(1) a unit of federal, State, or local government that uses an automated dialing prerecorded message machine for emergency purposes; or

(2) a person who has a preexisting business relationship with, or the consent of, the person called.

(b) A person may not use an automated dialing, push-button, or tone-activated address signaling system with a prerecorded message to:

(1) solicit persons to purchase, lease, or rent goods or services;

(2) offer a gift or prize;

(3) conduct a poll; or

(4) request survey information if the results will be used directly to solicit persons to purchase, lease, or rent goods or services.

(c) The sender of an automated dialing, push-button, or tone-activated address signaling call shall disconnect the prerecorded message machine from the recipient's telephone line within 5 seconds after the termination of the call by either the person calling or the person called.

(d) A person who violates a provision of subsection (b) or (c) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine:

(1) not exceeding $1,000 for the first offense; and

(2) not exceeding $5,000 for each subsequent offense.

Back to chapter list
Previous part of code Next part of code
Back to chapter list

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Maryland Code, Public Utilities § 8-204 - last updated December 31, 2021 | https://codes.findlaw.com/md/public-utilities/md-code-public-util-sect-8-204/

Read this complete Maryland Code, Public Utilities § 8-204 on Westlaw

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Search all Maryland Codes

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About the Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to find an attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

    More Options
    Copied to clipboard