WHERE CAN I POST FLYERS LEGALLY?

We know that there are many ways to advertise and that there are unlimited means to showcase a product or a business or to just spread the word about anything. It mostly depends on the creativity level, and then there is the question of budget. Posting flyers is one of the most efficient and inexpensive means of advertisement which is undoubtedly bound to turn a lot of heads and gain attention. The work involved in posting flyers is also not exactly rocket science either, and it does not need a lot of labor. But are you sure that those are all the specifics that you need to know before displaying the flyers everywhere? If you answered yes, then there is much more than just that.

Before asking yourself the question, “Where can I post flyers legally?” there are laws and rules that need to be followed, and every state in the US has their own reservations about posting flyers in specific locations. Obviously, it is often a misconception that putting up flyers has nothing to do with disturbing the decorum of a neighborhood or a community. But if the flyers are put up in the wrong places, then that is reason enough for it to cause a commotion and sometimes, in unique scenarios, it could lead to prosecution.

The Supreme Court has declared that it is the right of businesses or individuals to display any form of advertisements or literature. But too much of anything is never a good idea, and an excess of flyers can result in a lot of litter. Of course, putting up flyers comes under advertising, and it is under the protection of every citizen’s First Amendment Rights. But the First Amendment can reach out its hand only as far as it goes and it stops where private properties are concerned. Think of it as a case of dumping somebody else’s trash in your yard, which is unimaginable. Although different states in the US have different laws pertaining to handing out or putting up flyers, it is considered wise to ask the local police before doing so. Some locations require permits for handing out flyers as well, so as mentioned, always ask. There could be limitations on the number of flyers and the places that one can put up flyers, so it is important to read on.

Where to post flyers legally

So where can I post flyers legally? That’s the million dollar question, and with all the additional laws on posting flyers legally, it is, in fact hard to keep up. Although as mentioned earlier, requirements can vary from state to state, there are some options to where one can put up flyers legally without offending anyone. The government cannot ban the right to speech, and every individual has the freedom to express and advertise, but the government has every right to check where and how you can put up flyers.

First of all, it is essential to be mindful of private property. In this case, private property does not only pertain to one’s home, but it can be a shopping mall, a car, a gated community, a private institution, residential homes or practically anything that does not belong to the public. So, if a person or a group is found putting up flyers in those properties, there are chances that the particular action can get reported for vandalism or it can constitute harassment. Nevertheless, the option is clear, stay out of public properties.

Secondly, as long as public properties are concerned, it can vary from a lamp post to a college campus. Community campuses are a haven for flyers, and there are no exact rules that disallow the putting up of flyers. But it is essential to be cautious in choosing the right location for putting up flyers because there can be certain buildings or properties where it can be considered inappropriate to put up flyers like a statue or a memorial piece of structure.

Thirdly, besides putting up flyers in public places, flyers can be distributed by hand to pedestrians as well. It can be in a driveway or a shopping mall or any public areas. While this is also a form of spreading the word, it is also important to remember that nobody is a fan of forced advertisement. In a way that would lead to a bad reputation and in unlucky cases some may take up that particular matter to the police for disruption of peace or even harassment.

Fourthly, there is always the option of asking permission from a public gathering place like a shop or a restaurant where one can seek the consent to leave a stash of flyers for the customers visiting their place. This is also an active and cheap way of advertising through flyers, and it has been practiced a lot as well. While this seems like an easy option, it is again important to remember the sentiments of the shop or the restaurant owner so as to not disturb their daily business by making the flyers as their top priority. It is also essential to remember to refill the flyers just in case they get over.

In conclusion, the rules of putting up flyers legally are not very complicated. In a way, the rule is to keep away from private properties, and the rest are open for an individual or a group to put up flyers. But before doing so, always have the diligence to ask the local police to check for local laws, and as mentioned earlier, a law can work differently from one place to another place. After checking with the local laws, it is significant that the one responsible for the flyers should have the courtesy to clean up after putting up or handing out the flyers. The public will always look for somebody to blame and if it is one of your flyers on the ground, that can make it evident enough for a bad reputation and even prosecution. Therefore, the next time you find yourself asking, “Where can I post flyers legally?” it’s not only about the location that you should be concerned about but the set of responsibilities that come with it.