UK CB Rules and International Differences
A source-led starting point for understanding UK CB use. Always check current rules and equipment requirements.
Licence exemption has conditions
Ofcom says UK CB has been licence-exempt since 8 December 2006 when equipment is operated in accordance with applicable technical parameters. Licence-exempt does not mean any radio, frequency, power or emission is permitted.
Check current requirements
Before transmitting, check Ofcom’s current CB guidance and the relevant UK Interface Requirement. Confirm that your equipment and operation meet the applicable requirements.
Community frequencies are not legal approvals
A published monitor frequency or DX group convention does not itself authorise a transmission. Do not assume that a frequency within a familiar band is lawful for every mode or device.
Different countries differ
Rules on channels, power, equipment, modes and licensing vary by jurisdiction. A practice allowed in one country may not be allowed in another.
Keep this page current
Review official sources periodically and display a last-reviewed date. Where a rule is uncertain, link to the regulator rather than presenting a guess as fact.
Further reading
Always check current rules for the country and radio service you are using. A community convention or software feature is not proof that a transmission is authorised.
This guide is educational and may need updating as regulations, software and community information change. Check linked primary sources before relying on technical or regulatory details.