UK CB rules.
This page is
not intended to be a full explanation of the law regarding
CB, but is just a guideline. Further details of UK CB rules may be found on the
Ofcom Website.
Definition.
Citizens Band is a short range public communications service for hobby and
business use. No technical knowledge of qualifications are needed.
Licensing.
A licence is
not required for CB use in the UK.
Distance.
There is no limit on the distance or countries over which you may communicate.
Legal radio equipment.
You may only use approved CB transceivers. These will carry a stamp mark to show that
they are approved for use in the UK or Europe.
Dual band equipment.
Equipment designed and approved for both UK and EU CB bands may be used within the
UK.
Combination equipment.
Citizens Band equipment may now be combined with other receiving equipment, such
as car audio systems.
Antenna.
Any antenna used for Citizens Band must be:
* Omnidirectional
* No more than 55mm diameter
* No greater than 5/8 wave physical length
* If a dipole, no greater than 1/2 wave physical length.
Repair.
Anyone may repair CB equipment. Any repair which takes CB equipment out of the
stated specifications may make it illegal to use.
Modifications.
Any modification which will make the equipment perform outside the required
specifications will render the equipment illegal.
Accessories.
Most accessories are perfectly legal. However, an accessory is illegal if it:
* Boosts output power.
* Boosts deviation beyond the limits.
* Adds extra frequencies.
* Causes the equipment to interfere with other frequencies.
In addition, the SWR meter must only be connected while testing the antenna.
Legal action.
Present legislation allows Ofcom to hand out on-the-spot fixed penalty notices for
any infringement of CB rules.
If they feel it necessary, they may also confiscate equipment and take the owner
or user to court.