General information

  • No License Required:

Unlike other radio services, CB radio does not require a license or registration.

 
  • Eligibility:

Anyone can use CB radios in the United States as long as they comply with the FCC rules.

 
  • Channels:

CB radios operate on 40 channels within the 27 MHz band (26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz).

 
  • Power Limits:

The maximum allowable power output is 4 watts MCP (Mean Carrier Power) for AM (Amplitude Modulation) and FM (Frequency Modulation). When transmitting single sideband (SSB) voice signals, the PEP (Peak Envelope Power) must not exceed 12 Watts.

 
  • Technical Standards:

CB radios must meet specific technical standards set by the FCC, must be FCC-certified and labeled as such by the manufacturer.