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Can I use social media to promote my business without violating advertising laws in Ohio? What are the requirements?

Using Social Media to Promote Business in Ohio

Ohio’s advertising laws apply to social media platforms as well. However, there are no specific requirements for social media advertising in Ohio. Instead, you must comply with the general requirements for advertising devices, which include social media platforms.

To promote your business on social media without violating Ohio’s advertising laws, you must comply with the following requirements:

  1. Obtain a permit: If you plan to advertise your business outside urban areas, you must obtain a permit from the director of transportation [1.3].
  2. Follow spacing requirements: Advertising devices must be at least 660 feet away from the edge of the right-of-way of a highway on the primary system, except for certain exceptions [1.3].
  3. Avoid using nonconforming advertising devices: Nonconforming advertising devices may be subject to removal without compensation if found to be in violation of Ohio’s advertising laws [1.4].
  4. Do not advertise on designated scenic byways: Advertising devices are not allowed on designated scenic byways, except in accordance with specific sections of Ohio’s advertising laws [1.4].
  5. Comply with zoning rules and regulations: Ohio’s advertising laws do not affect the authority of local zoning authorities to regulate outdoor advertising devices. If a local zoning authority has adopted comprehensive zoning rules and regulations controlling the size, lighting, and spacing of outdoor advertising devices, those rules and regulations will be accepted in lieu of Ohio’s controls in commercial and industrial zones within the geographical jurisdiction of the authority [1.4].

If you comply with these requirements, you can use social media to promote your business in Ohio without violating advertising laws.

Note that the director of transportation may disapprove, cancel, or revoke any permit requested or issued under Ohio’s advertising laws if the director determines that the permit is in violation of the law [1.1].

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Ohio