Texting & Voicemail Rules for Sales Reps in Washington
To text or send ringless voicemail to sales leads in Washington, you need prior express written consent (PEWC) under the federal TCPA (47 CFR 64.1200(f)(9)) — a purchased list is not consent. Send only during 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM at the recipient's local time, honor STOP opt-outs immediately, and include your business name. Washington's key statute is RCW 19.190.060-.070, and it carries a private right of action (recipients can sue directly).
By Ryan Madden, Founder, FollowUp AI · Updated June 16, 2026 · This is a general summary of common rules, not legal advice. Confirm specifics with counsel.
Washington SMS & voicemail compliance at a glance
| Consent for automated marketing | Prior express written consent (PEWC) — 47 CFR 64.1200(f)(9) |
|---|---|
| Quiet hours | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM — Matches federal default |
| State EBR exemption | No state EBR exemption |
| State DNC registry | No separate state registry (federal DNC applies) |
| Private right of action | Yes — recipients can sue directly |
| Penalties | $500/violation or actual damages; treble up to $25,000 under WA CPA |
| Call-recording consent | Two-party (all-party) consent |
| Risk tier | Highest Risk |
| Key statute | RCW 19.190.060-.070 |
Notable Washington rules
- No autodialer element required — applies to ALL commercial texts regardless of sending method
- Violations are per se unfair trade practice under WA CPA
- Treble damages standard (not just willful) under CPA
Per-recipient timezone quiet hours, opt-out handling, and consent tracking — built in. Start free →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need consent to text sales leads in Washington?
Yes. Automated marketing texts (and ringless voicemail) require prior express written consent (PEWC) under the federal TCPA, 47 CFR 64.1200(f)(9), in every state including Washington. A purchased lead list is not consent.
What are the texting quiet hours in Washington?
In Washington, send marketing messages only 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM at the recipient's local time. Matches federal default
Is there a storm or insurance-claim solicitation ban in Washington?
Washington has no special storm-solicitation ban beyond the standard federal rules. Roofing/restoration insurance-claim restrictions exist only in FL, TX, and LA.
Can I be sued for texting violations in Washington?
Yes — Washington provides a private right of action, so recipients can sue you directly in addition to the federal TCPA ($500–$1,500 per violation).
Does an existing customer relationship (EBR) let me skip consent in Washington?
An EBR (18 months from a purchase, 3 months from an inquiry) only exempts you from the Do-Not-Call registry — it does not replace PEWC for automated marketing. You still need written consent to send automated texts or voicemail.
About the author. Ryan Madden is the founder of FollowUp AI, an SMS and ringless-voicemail follow-up platform for field sales teams, where he works on TCPA-aware outreach compliance. This is general information, not legal advice.