MicroTrip Rush

Legal

Text SMS Rules – Non-Negotiable

Last updated: February 26, 2026

SMS marketing in the United States is heavily regulated to protect consumers from spam and unwanted messages. The main laws you must follow for Micro Trip Rush™️ (or any SMS-based program) are:

1. TCPA – Telephone Consumer Protection Act

  • Prior Express Written Consent: Required before sending marketing/promotional SMS messages.
  • Consent must be:
    • Written (not verbal)
    • Clearly disclose recurring messages
    • Include program name (“Micro Trip Rush™️”)
    • State message frequency (e.g., “3–5 messages/month”)
    • Disclose possible carrier fees
    • Provide clear opt-in language (e.g., “By texting TRIP, you agree to receive messages…”)
  • Double opt-in: Best practice — user texts keyword → reply asking to confirm → user confirms.
  • One-time transactional messages (e.g., “Your award is ready”) do not require prior consent if the user initiated contact.
  • No cold texting: Never send unsolicited SMS to purchased or scraped lists.

2. 10DLC Registration (Required for Business SMS)

  • All US business SMS traffic must register with The Campaign Registry (10DLC system).
  • Types:
    • Low-volume standard — simple, low throughput
    • Standard — higher volume, needs brand + campaign registration
  • Cost: $4–$15 one-time brand registration + $2–$10/month per campaign (via Twilio or carrier)
  • Process: Register your brand (Micro Trip Rush™️) → register each campaign → get approved (1–4 weeks). Without 10DLC, messages get filtered/blocked, high carrier fees.

3. Mandatory Opt-Out & Help Language (Every Message)

  • Opt-out: “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”
  • Help: “Text HELP for info”
  • Sender ID: Your name or short code (e.g., “MicroTripRush”)
  • Frequency: “Msg & data rates may apply. 3 msg/mo”

Example compliant message: “Welcome to Micro Trip Rush! Map NM, earn XP, win micro-trip awards. Reply HELP for info. Msg & data rates may apply. 3 msg/mo. Reply STOP to opt out.”

4. Other Key Rules

  • Do NOT send messages between 8pm–8am in recipient’s time zone.
  • No misleading content — never imply gambling, lotteries, or free cash.
  • Record keeping: Keep proof of consent (timestamp, keyword, IP if web form) for at least 4 years.
  • Age restrictions: COPPA applies if targeting under 13 (age-gate your opt-ins).
  • International: Different rules (e.g., GDPR in EU, CASL in Canada) — stick to US for now.

5. How to Stay Compliant

  • Use keyword opt-in only: Postcards/minis say “Text TRIP to 505-XXX-XXXX” → double opt-in reply.
  • Use Twilio (handles 10DLC registration automatically).
  • Add full compliance language in every blast.
  • No purchased lists, no cold texting.

Bottom Line: Follow prior written consent + 10DLC registration + STOP/HELP in every message = you’re legally safe. Your postcard/keyword opt-in model is one of the cleanest ways to do SMS.