UK CB Radio Frequencies & Rules | 27/81 and CEPT Guide

Important: Licence exemption applies only when you use compliant equipment within Ofcom’s technical conditions (channels, modes, power). It is not general permission to transmit on every frequency listed on informal “freeband” charts. Operating outside those conditions can be illegal.

What “licence-exempt” means in the UK

You do not need an individual Ofcom licence to operate Citizens’ Band radio if your equipment meets the relevant interface requirements and you stay within the authorised channels, modes and power limits. Ofcom remains the spectrum regulator.

Sources: Ofcom Citizens’ Band information; Wireless Telegraphy exemption framework; UK Interface Requirements for CB.

Two channel plans authorised in the UK

1. UK 27/81 channels (FM / angle modulation)

40 channels from 27.60125 MHz to 27.99125 MHz (10 kHz spacing). Traditionally FM only on this plan.

By convention among operators: channel 9 emergency; channel 14 calling; channel 19 often used by mobiles. These are conventions, not Ofcom-mandated exclusive uses.

2. CEPT / EU channels

40 channels from 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz (same spacing as the widely used international CEPT plan). On CEPT channels, Ofcom permits FM and also AM (DSB) and SSB within the published power limits.

Power limits (summary)

Typically 4 W for FM / AM
Typically 12 W PEP for SSB on authorised CEPT operation

Always follow the limits on your type-approved equipment and the current Ofcom documents.

What this guide does not authorise

Frequencies outside the UK 27/81 and CEPT CB allocations
“Freeband” or modified radios operating beyond approved bands or power
Amateur (ham) bands — those require an amateur radio licence (RSGB / Ofcom licensing)

Group membership and a DT callsign do not change the law in the country where you transmit.

Official references

Ofcom — Citizens’ Band radio information and channel tables
Ofcom — Licence-exempt radio use
Ofcom — UK Frequency Allocation Table (UKFAT)
Wikipedia summaries of the 27 MHz CB27/81 bandplan (for frequency lists; verify against Ofcom for legal use)

Author: Site editorial · Last reviewed: October 2026 · Always check the latest Ofcom publications before transmitting. This page replaces older informal frequency lists that mixed legal CB channels with unauthorised ranges without clear context.