General Provisions-[RULE 1] Description
[RULE 2] Usage of Rules
[RULE 3] Who is Eligible
[RULE 4] Licenses
[RULE 5] Areas Of Legal Operation
[RULE 6] Special Restrictions
[RULE 7] Operating Channels/Frequencies
[RULE 8] Antenna Height
[RULE 9] Equipment
[RULE 10] Power Output
[RULE 11] Linear Amplifiers
[RULE 12] Permitted Communication
[RULE 13] Illegal Communication
[RULE 14] Paying for Actual Use
[RULE 15] Who Is Held Accountable
[RULE 16] Time Limit of Transmissions
[RULE 17] Identification Methods
[RULE 18] Emergency Usage and Assisting Travelers
[RULE 19] Remote Control Operations
[RULE 20] Telephone Patches and Telephony with CB
[RULE 21] Penalties
[RULE 22] Correspondence from FCC
[RULE 23] Notice of Interference
[RULE 24] Service to Transmitters and Antennas
[RULE 25] Modifications to Transmitters
[RULE 26] FCC Inspections
[RULE 27] Keeping Station Records
[RULE 28] Contacting the FCC
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: {1} Within or over the territorial limits of places
where radio services are regulated by the FCC. {2} Aboard
any vessel or aircraft registered in the United States or
{3} Aboard any unregistered vessel or aircraft owned or
operated by a United States citizen or company. 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.
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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.
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| 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. (*also read Rule 17) |
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,
it's 50 islets and cays [6] American Samoa [7] Baker
Island [8] Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands [9]
Guam Island [10] Howland Island [11] Jarvis Islan
[12] Johnston Island [13] Kingman Reef [14] Midway
Island [15] Palmyra Island, and it's 50+ islets [16]
Wake Island {B} Any area of the world, except, within the
territorial limits of areas where radio services are regulated
by - [1] An agency of the United States other than the FCC,
you are subject to it's rules. [2] Any foreign government,
you are subject to it's rules. {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 the
Department 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.
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RULE 7 - Operating
Channels/Frequencies
Your CB station may transmit only on the following channels /
frequencies: Channel Frequency Channel Frequency
1 26.965 21 27.215
2 26.975 22 27.225
3 26.985 23 27.255
4 27.005 24 27.235
5 27.015 25 27.245
6 27.025 26 27.265
7 27.035 27 27.275
8 27.055 28 27.285
9* 27.065 29 27.295
10 27.075 30 27.305
11 27.085 31 27.315
12 27.105 32 27.325
13 27.115 33 27.335
14 27.125 34 27.345
15 27.135 35 27.355
16 27.155 36 27.365
17 27.165 37 27.375
18 27.175 38 27.385
19 27.185 39 27.395
20 27.205 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.
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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/ Subpart E. {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.
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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 (HAM, etc.) which allows you to
operate an external RF power amplifier. |
TopRULE 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.
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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 IN CONJUNCTION 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).
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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 $10,000 or 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.
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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.
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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.
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RULE 28 - Contacting the
FCC {A} Write to
your nearest FCC Field Office to: [1] Report an interference
complaint; or [2] want to know if the FCC has
type-accepted a particular transmitter for CB service. {B} Write to the FCC if you have questions
about the CB Rules:
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