CB radio in the UK today: what's legal and which rig to buy
CB never went away, and it's easier than ever to get back on. You don't need a licence any more, the rules allow more channels than in 1981, and you can even use AM and SSB again. Here's what's legal and which rigs to buy.
- Moonraker Micro II UK/EU is the cheapest way back on air
- Midland Alan 42DS is the pick for a handheld
- President George II is the full rig, with legal AM and SSB
The rules today, in plain English
| Channels | Modes allowed | Maximum power |
|---|---|---|
| UK 27/81 band, 40 channels | FM | 4 watts |
| EU (CEPT) band, 40 channels | FM and AM | 4 watts |
| EU (CEPT) band, 40 channels | SSB | 12 watts |
No licence is needed. Your radio must be approved for the UK, and you must stay within these limits: no burners, and no "export" modes. You share the band and get no protection from interference.
From Ofcom's interface requirements IR 2027 (FM) and IR 2027.2 (AM and SSB).
Rigs worth buying
Moonraker Micro II UK/EU
A tiny mobile rig that covers both the UK and EU channels. Small enough to fit almost any car, and the cheapest way back on air.
- Type
- Mobile
- Bands
- UK and EU
- Price
- About £40
- Use
- Car or van
Good
- Very cheap
- Tiny
- UK and EU channels
Watch out for
- Basic features
Midland Alan 42DS
A handheld CB sold in a UK version. Good for walks, events, or a breaker who doesn't want a rig in the car.
- Type
- Handheld
- Bands
- UK version
- Price
- About £100
- Power
- Batteries
Good
- Go anywhere
- UK version available
Watch out for
- Less range than a mobile with a proper aerial
President George II
A full-size mobile rig that does FM on the UK band and AM, FM and SSB on the EU channels, with SSB at up to 12 watts. The one for people who want to work skip again.
- Type
- Mobile, 12V
- UK band
- 4W FM
- EU band
- AM, FM, SSB
- SSB
- Up to 12W
Good
- AM, FM and SSB
- Legal SSB at 12W
- Feels like a proper rig
Watch out for
- Expensive
- Has an "export" mode you must not use in the UK
The rest of the kit
| Item | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic mount CB aerial | For the car roof. The aerial matters as much as the rig. | Check price |
| CB SWR meter | To tune the aerial. A badly matched aerial loses range and can damage the rig. | Check price |
| 12V power supply for CB | To run a mobile rig as a base station indoors. | Check price |
Buying second-hand? Many rigs on eBay are American or "export" models that aren't legal to transmit with in the UK. Check it's a UK-approved set, and if in doubt, keep it for listening. Missing the old rigs? See my CB memories.
Common questions
Do I need a licence for CB in the UK?
No. CB has been licence-free since December 2006, as long as the radio meets the UK rules.
Which channels can I use?
Two sets of 40: the UK 27/81 band (FM only) and the EU or CEPT band, where AM and SSB are allowed too.
How much power is allowed?
Up to 4 watts on FM and AM. SSB is allowed up to 12 watts on the EU channels.
Is my old 1980s rig still legal?
A UK-approved 27/81 FM set is still fine on the UK channels. American AM rigs from before 1981 were never legal here.
Can I use a linear amplifier?
No. Anything above the power limits is illegal and causes interference.