Can I advertise my products or services without violating truth-in-advertising laws in Mississippi? What are the requirements?

To advertise your products or services in Mississippi, you must comply with the Truth in Music Advertising Act ^[3.1]. However, there are no specific truth-in-advertising laws in Mississippi that apply to all types of advertising.

To ensure compliance with the Truth in Music Advertising Act, you must accurately represent the performing group or artist that you are promoting ^[3.1]. You cannot use the name of a performing group or artist in advertising if a majority of the members are not original members of the group or artist ^[3.1].

If you plan to erect an outdoor advertising device, you must obtain a permit from the Mississippi Department of Transportation ^[1.2][1.5]. The permit application must contain all required information and be appropriately executed ^[1.5]. The department will issue a permit within ten days of receiving a complete application and the required permit fee ^[1.5].

If you plan to advertise in a safety rest area, you may do so by providing informational directories and advertising pamphlets ^[1.4].

If you plan to advertise Mississippi products, you may use any funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of Sections 57-1-1 through 57-1-51 ^[2.1][2.2].

All persons, partnerships, corporations or other business entities engaging in the outdoor advertising business, except persons erecting signs for personal activities or business, which includes but is not limited to the erection, maintenance and selling of advertising space on and along the highways and public roads of Mississippi, shall be required to provide the Mississippi State Highway Commission a bond under the rules and regulations as promulgated by the highway commission, but provided said bond does not exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) in amount ^[1.6].

If you violate the provisions of this chapter, the State Highway Commission is authorized to petition the chancery court of any county where any unlawful or unauthorized outdoor advertising sign, device or display may exist for injunctive or other appropriate relief ^[1.7].

In summary, to advertise your products or services in Mississippi, you must comply with the Truth in Music Advertising Act and accurately represent the performing group or artist that you are promoting. If you plan to erect an outdoor advertising device, you must obtain a permit from the Mississippi Department of Transportation and provide a bond. If you plan to advertise in a safety rest area, you may do so by providing informational directories and advertising pamphlets. If you plan to advertise Mississippi products, you may use any funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of Sections 57-1-1 through 57-1-51. If you violate the provisions of this chapter, the State Highway Commission is authorized to petition the chancery court of any county where any unlawful or unauthorized outdoor advertising sign, device or display may exist for injunctive or other appropriate relief.

Source(s):

• [1.2] Regulations pertaining to advertising.
• [2.1] Publicity and advertising; research laboratory.
• [1.4] Advertising in safety rest area.
• [3.1] Short title.
• [2.2] General powers and duties with respect to marketing.
• [1.5] Permit required; application and fees.
• [1.6] Bond required; amount.
• [1.7] Injunctive relief.

Jurisdiction

Mississippi

• General