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CB Radio Frequencies and Channels

Posted by Pat Haggerty updated

The CB Radio spectrum is broken up into 40 channels with CB frequencies ranging from 26.965 to 27.405 MHz. Channels are generally spaced 10 KHz apart. While these channels are open to everyone, some have commonly agreed upon purposes, which are noted in the table below. Examples include Channel 9 (reserved for emergency communications) and Channel 19, which is mostly used by truckers. If you want specific information or want to share messages on these channels, you are welcome to do so or just switch over for a listen. A fair warning though: truckers have their own handles and slang, and chatty visitors are not always welcome. So be prepared and know what you’re in for if you jump on 19 as an outsider.


CB Channel

CB Frequency (MHz)

Common Usage

1

26.965

Open to everyone

2

26.975

Open to everyone

3

26.985

Open to everyone

4

27.005

Open to everyone - Often used for 4x4s/off-roading

5

27.015

Open to everyone

6

27.025

Open to everyone

7

27.035

Open to everyone

8

27.055

Open to everyone

9

27.065

Emergency communications

10

27.075

Open to everyone - Often used by truckers for regional roads

11

27.085

Open to everyone

12

27.105

Open to everyone

13

27.115

Open to everyone - often used by marine/RVers

14

27.125

Open to everyone - often used by walkie-talkies

15

27.135

Open to everyone

16

27.155

Open to everyone (and SSB)

17

27.165

Open to everyone - often used by truckers re: north/south traffic

18

27.175

Open to everyone

19

27.185

Truckers re: East/West Highway Traffic

20

27.205

Open to everyone

21

27.215

Open to everyone - Often used by truckers for regional roads

22

27.225

Open to everyone

23

27.255

Open to everyone

24

27.235

Open to everyone

25

27.245

Open to everyone

26

27.265

Open to everyone

27

27.275

Open to everyone

28

27.285

Open to everyone

29

27.295

Open to everyone

30

27.305

Open to everyone

31

27.315

Open to everyone

32

27.325

Open to everyone

33

27.335

Open to everyone

34

27.345

Open to everyone

35

27.355

Open to everyone

36

27.365

Open to everyone (and SSB)

37

27.375

Open to everyone (and SSB)

38

27.385

Open to everyone (and SSB, LSB)

39

27.395

Open to everyone (and SSB)

40

27.405

Open to everyone (and SSB)



Why only these 40 Channels for CB Radios?

Simply, other frequencies belong to other kinds of operators. Above these CB Radio Frequencies (27.430, 27.450, 27.470, 27.490, 27.510, and 27.530 MHz) are channels for the Business Radio Service, which is part of the VHF and UHF two-way radio bands. The federal government controls 27.540 up to 28.000 frequencies and 26.480 to 26.960 belong to the U.S. military. The Civil Air Patrol, part of the U.S.A.F., is assigned 26.620 MHz, although now the CAP uses VHF frequencies more often. The 10-meter amateur radio (Ham) band runs from 28.000 to 29.700 MHz.

It is illegal to use frequencies or channels outside the CB range or within the 11 meter (above or below the 10 kHz) frequency, something referred to as freebanding. Freebanding can be tempting, especially when our frequencies are feeling a little crowded and those just above or below are nice and quiet. And as a community often characterized as rebellious, I understand the titillating call to do something I’ve been told not to. Yet, I recommend fighting the urge and steering clear. Since these frequencies belong to other operators, some of whom being the federal government, utilizing these is risky territory as legal operators on these channels are very keen to report you and the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) cracks down on such behavior with one of more of the following:

  • A Notice of Apparent Liability
  • A $10,000+ fine
  • The seizure of your radio equipment
  • Suspension of any/all FCC licenses

To avoid a painful and annoying FCC crackdown, we advise you to stay within our 40 CB Radio channels.


If this information really sparked your interest in government regulations, you can find out more about the laws surrounding CB Radio use on the FCC’s website.

For more CB Radio Technical Information and Installation Resources, visit our Learning Center.

Author

Pat Haggerty

About the Author

As the owner and operator of Right Channel Radios, Pat Haggerty has been helping customers find the best radio solutions since 2008. He is highly knowledgeable in all mobile radio options and setups, including CB radios, GMRS radios, and HAM radios. His wide library of how-to and help articles is frequently referred to as one of the best resources for CB radio installations and technical support online. When he's not assisting radio enthusiasts online or on the phone, you can find Pat enjoying all that Montana's trails have to offer on his skis, mountain bike or Land Cruiser.


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