(a) A real estate broker, prior to the use of any proposed advertisement in connection with the conduct of activities described in subdivisions (d) and (e) of Section 10131 and Section 10131.1, may submit a true copy thereof to the Department of Real Estate for approval. The submission shall be accompanied by a fee of one hundred dollars ($100), not to exceed one hundred thirty dollars ($130). The commissioner may by regulation prescribe the amount of the fee. If disapproval of the proposed advertisement is not communicated by the department to the broker within 15 calendar days after receipt of the copy of the proposed advertisement by the department, the proposed advertisement shall be deemed approved, but the department shall not be precluded from disapproving a later publication or other use of the same or similar advertising.The commissioner shall adopt regulations pertaining to the submittal and clearance of that advertising and establishing criteria for approval to ensure that the public will be protected against false or misleading representations.
Except as provided in subdivision (b), "advertisement" includes dissemination in any newspaper, circular, form letter, brochure or similar publication, display, sign, radio broadcast or telecast, which concerns (1) the use, terms, rates, conditions, or the amount of any loan or sale referred to in subdivisions (d) and (e) of Section 10131 or Section 10131.1 or (2) the security, solvency, or stability of any person carrying on the activities described in those sections.