CB Radio and The Law

Here are some questions regarding CB Radio and the Law:-

How is CB radio defined in Law?

CB radio functions within the 27 MHz band and is a short range radio service for either Business or Personal use. It is permitted to be used by anyone without the need for technical qualifications as long as it does not cause interference to other radio users. Therefore, only radios which meet specific requirements are permitted to be used.

Why has Ofcom de-regulated the use of CB radio equipment?

OfCom de-regulated the use of CB radio equipment to reduce the regulatory burden for both CB radio users and Ofcom themselves. Since a licence to operate a CB Radio is no longer required, it is not necessary to contact Ofcom in order to apply for and to subsequently maintain a CB radio licence and it is no longer necessary to pay for a new licence each year.

Is CB Radio legal to use without a licence?

Since 8 December 2006, it is no longer necessary to hold a WT Act licence in order to operate CB radio equipment as long as it is used in accordance with the requirements of the WT (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2006, which come into force on that day.

These Regulations, on which Ofcom consulted in June 2006, exempt CB radio equipment users from the need to hold a WT Act licence. The use of CB radio equipment which is not consistent with these Regulations will however be considered an offence.

CB Radio users share a spectrum which is in a frequency band managed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). This use is secondary to that of the MOD (the primary spectrum user) and it should be noted that CB Radio users must be prepared to accept incoming interference caused by continuing use of this spectrum by the MOD.

CB Radio Users must understand that CB radio equipment must be operated on a 'non-interference, non-protected' basis; meaning that, it must not interference to or claim protection from any other radio services.

The WT (Content of Transmission) Regulations 1988 make it an offence to use any station for wireless telegraphy or any wireless telegraphy apparatus to send a message, communication or other matter in whatever form that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing nature.




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