RULE 1 - Descriptions
The Citizens Band Radio Service (CB) is a private, two-way, short-distance voice communications service for personal or business activities. The CB Radio Service may also be used for voice paging.
RULE 2 - Usage of Rules
You must comply with these rules when you operate a station in the CB Service from:
Your CB must comply with Part 95/Subpart E [Technical Rules].
Where the rules use the word "you", "you"
means a person operating a CB station. Where the rules use the
word "person" the rules are concerned with an
individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a joint
stock company, a trust, a state, territorial or local government
unit, or other legal entity. Where the rules use the term
"CB station", that means a radio station transmitting
in the CB Radio Service.
RULE 3 - Eligibility To Use CB
You are authorized to operate a CB station unless:
{A} You are a foreign government, a representative of a
foreign government, or a federal government agency. or
{B} The FCC has issued a cease and desist order to you, and the
order is still in effect.
RULE 4 - Licenses
You do not need an individual license to operate a CB station. You are authorized by this rule to operate your CB station in accordance with the rules stated in this Subpart.
RULE 5 - Areas of Legal Operation
You are authorized to operate your CB station from:
{A} Within or over any area of the world where radio services are regulated by the FCC. Those areas are:
1 | The 50 United States |
2 | The District of Columbia |
3 | Commonwealth of Puerto Rico |
4 | Navassa Island |
5 | United States Virgin Islands |
6 | American Samoa |
7 | Baker Island |
8 | Northern Mariana Islands |
9 | Guam Island |
10 | Howland Island |
11 | Jarvis Island |
12 | Johnston Island |
13 | Kingman Reef |
14 | Midway Island |
15 | Palmyra Island |
16 | Wake Island |
{B} Any area of the world, except, within the territorial limits of areas where radio services are regulated by -
{C} An aircraft or ship, with the permission of the captain,
within or over any area of the world where radio services are
regulated by the FCC or upon or over international waters. You
must operate your CB station according to any applicable treaty
to which the United States is a party.
RULE 6 - Special Restrictions
{A} If your CB station is located on premises controlled by
theDepartment of Defense you may be required to comply with
additional regulations imposed by the commanding officer of the
installation.
{B} If your CB station will be constructed on land of
environmental or historical importance (such as a location
significant in American history, architecture or culture), you
may be required to provide information to comply with Part 1.1305
through 1.1319 of the FCC Rules.
RULE 7 - Operating Channels/Frequencies
Your CB station may transmit only on the following channels/frequencies:
Ch | Fr | Ch | Fr | Ch | Fr | Ch | Fr |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 26.965 | 11 | 27.085 | 21 | 27.215 | 31 | 27.315 |
2 | 26.975 | 12 | 27.105 | 22 | 27.225 | 32 | 27.325 |
3 | 26.985 | 13 | 27.115 | 23 | 27.255 | 33 | 27.335 |
4 | 27.005 | 14 | 27.125 | 24 | 27.235 | 34 | 27.345 |
5 | 27.015 | 15 | 27.135 | 25 | 27.245 | 35 | 27.355 |
6 | 27.025 | 16 | 27.155 | 26 | 27.265 | 36 | 27.365 |
7 | 27.035 | 17 | 27.165 | 27 | 27.275 | 37 | 27.375 |
8 | 27.055 | 18 | 27.175 | 28 | 27.285 | 38 | 27.385 |
9 | 27.065 | 19 | 27.185 | 29 | 27.295 | 39 | 27.395 |
10 | 27.075 | 20 | 27.205 | 30 | 27.305 | 40 | 27.405 |
{B} * Channel 9 may be used ONLY for emergency communications
OR for traveler assistance.
{C} You must, at all times and on ALL channels, give priority to
emergency communication messages concerning the immediate safety
of life or the immediate protection of property.
{D} You may use ANY channel for emergency communications or for
traveler assistance.
{E} You must share each channel with other users.
{F} The FCC will not assign any channel for the private or
exclusive use of any particular CB station or group of stations.
{G} The FCC will not assign any channel for the private or
exclusive use of CB stations transmitting single sideband or AM.
RULE 8 - Antenna Height
{A} "Antenna" means the radiating system (for
transmitting, receiving or both) and the structure holding it up
(tower, pole or mast).It also means everything else attached to
the radiating system and the structure.
{B} If your antenna is mounted on a hand-held portable unit, none
of the following limitations apply;
{C} If your antenna is installed at a fixed location (whether
receiving, transmitting or both) it must comply with EITHER one
of the following:
[1] The highest point must not be more than 20 feet (6.10 meters)
higher than the highest point of the building or tree on which it
is mounted;or
[2] The highest point must not be more than 60 feet (18.3 meters)
above the ground.
{D} If your CB station is located near an airport, and if your
antenna structure is more than 20 feet (6.10 meters) high, you
may have to obey additional restrictions. The highest point of
your antenna must not exceed 39.37 inches (1 meter) above the
airport elevation for every 109.36 yards (100 meters, 1
hectometer) of distance from the nearest point of the nearest
airport runway. Differences in ground elevation between your
antenna and the airport runway may complicate this formula. If
your CB station is near an airport, you may contact the nearest
FCC field office for a worksheet to help you figure the maximum
allowable height for your antenna.
WARNING: Installation and removal of CB station antennas near
powerlines is dangerous. For your safety follow the installation
directions included with your antenna.
RULE 9 - Equipment
{A} You must use an FCC type accepted CB transmitter at your
CB station.You can identify an FCC type accepted transmitter by
the 'type acceptance' label placed on it by the manufacturer. You
may examine a list of type-accepted equipment at any FCC Field
Office or at FCC Headquarters. Use of a transmitter which is not
FCC type-accepted voids your authority to operate the station.
{B} You must not make, or have made, any internal modifications
to a type-accepted CB transmitter. <*read Rule 25> Any
internal modification to a type-accepted CB transmitter cancels
the type-acceptance, and use of such a transmitter voids your
authority to operate the station.
RULE 10 - Power Output
{A} Your CB station transmitter power output must not exceed
the following values under any conditions:
AM [Amplitude Modulation] - 4 watts carrier power [CP]
SSB [Single Side-Band] - 12 watts peak envelope power [PEP]
{B} If you need more information about the power rule, see Part
95/SubpartE. {C} Use of a transmitter which has carrier [CP] or
peak envelope power [PEP] in excess of that authorized voids your
authority to operate the station.
RULE 11 - Linear Amplifiers
{A} You may not attach the following items (power amplifiers)
to your type-accepted CB transmitter in any way:
[1] External radio frequency [RF] power amplifiers, also called
linear amplifiers, or linears; or
[2] Any other devices which, when used with a radio transmitter
as a signal source, are capable of amplifying the signal.
{B} There are no exceptions to this rule and use of a power
amplifier voids your authority to operate the station.
{C} The FCC will presume you have used a linear or other external
[RF] power amplifier if-
[1] It is in your possession or on your premises; and
[2] There is OTHER EVIDENCE that you have operated your CB
station with more power than allowed by CB Rule 10.
{D} Paragraph C above in this section does not apply if you hold
a license in another radio service (Amateur, etc.) which allows
you to operate an external RF power amplifier.
RULE 12 - Permitted Communications
{A} You may use your CB station to transmit two-way plain
language communications.Two-way plain language communications are
communications without codes or coded messages. Operating signals
such as "ten codes" (10-4,etc.) are not considered
codes or coded messages. You may transmit two-way plain language
communications only to other CB stations, to units of your own CB
station, or to authorized government stations on CB frequencies
about-
[1] Your personal or business activities, or those of members of
your immediate family living in your household;
[2] Emergencies;
[3] Traveler assistance;
[4] Civil Defense activities in connection with official tests or
drills conducted by, or actual emergencies announced by, the
Civil Defense Agency with authority over the area in which your
station is located.
{B} You may use your CB station to transmit a TONE SIGNAL only
when the signal is used to make contact, or to continue
communications (Examples: tone operated squelch, selective
calling circuits). If the signal is an audible tone, it must last
no longer than 15 seconds at one time. If the signal is a
subaudible tone, it may be transmitted continuously only as long
as you are talking.
{C} You may use your CB station to transmit one-way
communications (messages not intended for two or more CB
stations) only for emergency communications, traveler assistance,
brief tests (radio checks) or voice paging.
RULE 13 - Illegal Communications
{A} You must NOT use a CB station-
[1] in connection with activity which is against federal, state
or local law;
[2] to transmit obscene, indecent or profane words, language or
meaning;
[3] to interfere intentionally with the communications of another
CB station;
[4] to transmit one-way communications, EXCEPT for emergency
communications, traveler assistance, brief tests (radio checks)
or voice paging;
[5] to advertise or solicit the sale of any goods or services;
[6] to transmit music, whistling, sound effects or any material
to amuse or entertain;
[7] to transmit any sound effect solely to attract attention;
[8] to transmit the word "MAYDAY" or use any other
international distress signal, EXCEPT when your station is
located in a ship, aircraft or other vehicle which is threatened
with GRAVE AND IMMINENT danger and you are requesting IMMEDIATE
assistance. [9] to communicate with, or ATTEMPT to communicate
with, any CB station more than 155.3 miles (250 kilometers) away;
[10] to advertise a political candidate or political campaign
(You may use your CB radio for the business or organizational
aspects of a campaign, if you follow all other applicable rules);
[11] to communicate with stations in other countries, except
stations in Canada (on General Radio Service).
[12] to transmit a false or deceptive communication.
{B} You must not use a CB station to transmit communications
intended for live or delayed rebroadcast on radio or television.
You may use your CB station to gather news items or to prepare
programs.
RULE 14 - Paying for Actual Use
{A} You may not accept direct or indirect payment for transmitting with a CB station. {B} You may use a CB station to help you provide a service,and be paid for that service, as long as you are paid only for the service and not for the actual use of the CB station.
RULE 15 - Who Is Held Accountable
You are responsible for all communications which are made BY YOU from a CB station.
RULE 16 - Time Limit of Transmissions
{A} You must limit your CB communications to the minimum
practical time.
{B} If you are communicating with another CB station or stations,
you, and the stations communicating with you, must limit each of
your conversations to no more than five (5) continuous minutes.
{C} At the end of your conversation, you, and the stations
communicating with you, must not transmit again for at least one
minute.
RULE 17 - Identification Methods
{A} You need NOT identify your CB communications...
{B} You are ENCOURAGED to identify your CB communications by any
of the following means:
[1] Previously assigned FCC CB call sign
[2] K prefix followed by operators initials and residence zip
code
[3] Your name;or
[4] Description of your organization including name and any
applicable operator unit number
{C} You are encouraged to use a "handle" (nickname)
ONLY INCONJUNCTION WITH the methods of identification listed
above in paragraph B of this section.
RULE 18 - Emergency Usage and Assisting Travelers
{A} You must at all times and on all channels, give priority
to emergency communications.
{B} When you are directly participating in emergency
communications, you do not have to comply with Rule 16 about
length of transmissions. You must obey all other rules.
{C} You may use your CB station for communications necessary to
assist a traveler to REACH A DESTINATION or to RECEIVE NECESSARY
SERVICES. When you are using your CB station to assist a
traveler, you do not have to obey Rule 16 about the length of
transmissions. You must obey all other rules.
RULE 19 - Remote Control Operations
{A} You MAY NOT operate a CB station transmitter by RADIO
remote control.
{B} You MAY operate a CB transmitter by WIRELINE remote control
IF you obtain specific approval in writing from the FCC. To
obtain FCC approval you must show why you need to operate your
station by wireline remote control. Send your request and
justification to: FCC, Gettysburg, PA 17325. If you receive FCC
approval, you must keep the approval as part of your station
records (read Rule 27 on station records).
RULE 20 - Telephone Patches and Telephony with CB
{A} You MAY connect your CB station transmitter to a telephone
if you comply with ALL of the following:
[1] You or someone else must be present at your CB station and
MUST-
(i) manually make the connection (the connection cannot be made
by remote control);
(ii) supervise the operation of the transmitter during the
connection;
(iii) listen to each communication during the connection; and
(iv) stop all communications if there are operations in violation
of these rules.
[2] Each communication during the telephone connection must
comply with all of these rules.
[3] You must obey any restriction that the telephone company
places on the connection of a CB transmitter to a telephone.
{B} The CB transmitter you connect to a telephone must not be
shared with any other CB station.
{C} If you connect your CB transmitter to a telephone, you must
use a phone patch device which has been registered with the FCC.
RULE 21 - Penalties may not be current penalty information.
{A} If the FCC finds that you have WILLFULLY or REPEATEDLY
violated the Communications Act or FCC Rules, you may have to pay
as much as $2,000 for each violation, up to a total of $5,000.
{B} If the FCC finds that you have violated any section of the
Communications Act or FCC Rules, you may be ordered to stop
whatever action caused the violation.
{C} If a federal court finds that you have WILLFULLY and
KNOWINGLY violated any FCC Rule, you may be fined up to $500 for
each day you committed the violation.
{D} If a federal court finds that you have WILLFULLY and
KNOWINGLY violated any provision of the Communications Act, you
may be fined up to $10,000or may be imprisoned for one year, or
both.
RULE 22 - Correspondence from FCC
{A} If it appears to the FCC that you have violated the
Communications Act or these rules, the FCC may send you a
discrepancy notice.
{B} Within the time period stated in the notice, you must answer
with:
[1] A complete written statement about the apparent discrepancy;
[2] A complete written statement about any action you have taken
to correct the apparent violation and to prevent it from
happening again; and
[3] The name of the person operating at the time of the apparent
violation.
{C} If the FCC sends you a letter asking you questions about your
CB radio station or its operation, you must answer each of the
questions with a complete written statement within the time
period stated in the letter
{D} You must not shorten your answer by references to other
communications or notices.
{E} You must send your answer to the FCC office which sent you
the notice.
{F} You must keep a copy of your answer in your station records.
RULE 23 - Notice of Interference
{A} If the FCC tells you that your CB station is causing
interference due to technical reasons, you must follow all
instructions in the official FCC notice (This notice may require
you to have technical adjustments made to your equipment).
{B} You must comply with any restricted hours of CB station
operation which may be included in the official notice.
RULE 24 - Service to Transmitters and Antennas
{A} You may adjust an antenna to your CB transmitter and you
may make radio checks (One-way transmissions for a short time in
order to test the transmitter).
{B} Each internal repair and each internal adjustment to your FCC
type-accepted CB transmitter must be made BY or under the DIRECT
SUPERVISION of a person licensed by the FCC as a GENERAL
RADIOTELEPHONE OPERATOR.
{C} Except as provided in paragraph D below in this section, each
internal repair and each internal adjustment of a CB transmitter
in which signals are transmitted must be made using a
NON-RADIATING antenna (Dummy Load).
{D} Brief test signals (signals not longer than one minute during
any five minute period) using a radiating antenna may be
transmitted in order to:
[1] adjust an antenna to a transmitter;
[2] detect or measure radiation of energy other than the intended
signal; or
[3] tune a receiver to your CB transmitter.
RULE 25 - Modifications to Transmitters
{A} You must not make or have any one else make any internal
modification to your CB transmitter.
{B} Internal modification does NOT include:
[1] Repair, or servicing of a CB station transmitter; or
[2] Changing plug-in modules which were type-accepted as part of
your CB transmitter
{C} You must not operate a CB transmitter which has been modified
by anyone in any way, including modification to operate on
unauthorized frequencies or with illegal power.
RULE 26 - FCC Inspections
{A} If an authorized FCC representative requests to inspect
your CB station, you must make your CB station and records
available for inspection
{B} A CB station includes all of the radio equipment you use.
RULE 27 - Keeping Station Records
Your station records include the following documents, as
applicable:
[1] A copy of each response to an FCC violation notice or an FCC
letter.
[2] Each written permission received from the FCC.
RULE 28 - Contacting the FCC
{A} Write to your nearest FCC Field Office to report an
interference complaint
{B} Write to the FCC if you have questions about the CB Rules:
FCC Private Radio Bureau
Personal Radio Branch
Washington DC, 20554