What are the most common print advertising regulations?

Before you distribute printed advertising, it helps to know the handful of rules that come up most often. They usually fall into three buckets: federal mailbox law, local distribution permits, and content disclaimer requirements.

• Mailbox placement: Federal law reserves the mailbox for USPS-delivered mail, so flyers and door hangers cannot legally go inside or on a mailbox.
• Door-to-door permits: Many cities require a solicitation or handbill permit before a crew distributes house to house.
• Public property posting: Stapling or taping ads to utility poles, street signs, and public fixtures is restricted or banned in most municipalities.
• Anti-littering ordinances: Pieces that end up scattered on the ground can trigger littering fines, so secure placement matters.
• Political disclaimers: Several states require a paid-for-by line on political print materials.

Rules vary by city and state, so confirm your local ordinances before launching a distribution campaign.