What Is the Illegal CB Frequency?
What Is the Illegal CB Frequency?
Citizen’s Band (CB) radio is a popular, license‑free way for individuals to communicate over short distances. However, not all frequencies around the CB band are legal for CB use. Using the wrong frequencies, sometimes referred to as “freebanding,” can put you at risk of regulatory trouble. Here’s a detailed look at what frequencies are illegal for CB radio, why they’re prohibited, and the possible consequences.
1. Legal CB Frequency Range
In the United States, CB radio is strictly regulated by the FCC under 47 CFR Part 95, Subpart D. According to the rules:
- Legal CB operation is limited to 40 channels, spanning 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz.
- CB radios must be FCC‑type certified, meaning they are approved for use within just those designated CB frequencies.
2. What Does “Illegal CB Frequency” Mean?
Operating a CB radio outside the authorized 40‑channel range is called freebanding or out‑band operation. Some common “illegal” CB frequency situations include:
- Above 27.405 MHz: Frequencies just above the CB band (for example, 27.430 MHz, 27.450 MHz, etc.) are sometimes used by “freebanders,” but these are not part of the legal CB allocation.
- Below 26.965 MHz: Similarly, frequencies just below the legal CB band are also used illegally.
- Use of export or modified radios: Some operators use “export” CB radios (radios built to operate on expanded or nonstandard frequencies) or modify amateur (ham) radios to transmit outside the legal CB channels. Such use is illegal.
3. Why Are These Frequencies Illegal?
- Regulatory Allocation: The frequencies above or below the CB band are assigned to other radio services — for example, business radio, government services, or amateur (ham) radio.
- Prevention of Interference: The FCC restricts CB to its 40‑channel band to minimize interference with other critical radio services.
- Certification and Equipment Rules: CB transmitters must be type‑accepted; radios that can transmit on non‑CB frequencies (or are modified to do so) violate FCC equipment certification rules.
4. Risks and Consequences of Using Illegal CB Frequencies
Operating on illegal CB frequencies (freebanding) carries real risks:
- FCC Enforcement: Transmitting on unauthorized frequencies can violate FCC rules (e.g., Section 301 of the Communications Act) and result in fines, equipment seizure, and other penalties. (docs.fcc.gov)
- Poor Quality/Efficiency: Non‑certified or modified radios may generate spurious emissions, harmonics, or “splatter” that interfere with other services.
- License Violations: Some radios (e.g., dual-use CB/ham radios) are not certified for CB use and are explicitly prohibited from marketing or operating on non‑CB bands.
5. How to Stay Legal with CB
- Use a type-accepted CB radio that only transmits on the 40 legal channels between 26.965 MHz and 27.405 MHz.
- Avoid modifying your radio for “freeband” operation.
- Do not use power amplifiers or external gear to push illegal frequencies. The FCC’s CB rules prohibit certain modifications.
- Regularly check that your radio is operating within legal limits and is FCC-certified.
The “illegal CB frequencies” are those outside the legal 40‑channel CB band (26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz). Operating on those frequencies — such as higher “freeband” channels — is against FCC rules, risks interference, and can lead to fines or equipment confiscation. As a user, it’s important to stick with certified CB radios and avoid unauthorized modifications.
If you’re looking for legal, FCC‑certified CB radios that deliver reliable communication without risking enforcement issues, we can help. As a trusted supplier of high-quality radio equipment, we offer CB units that fully comply with FCC Part 95 rules.
Contact us today to find the right CB radio for your needs and stay on the right side of the law.