Legal CB.

Although Citizens' Band is legal in the UK, there are rules on what may or may not be used for this purpose. You may come across a wide range of equipment and, for legal purposes, this may fall into one of four categories:
  1. Legal to own and use for CB purposes.
  2. Legal to own, illegal to use for CB purposes.
  3. Illegal to be caught in possession of, illegal to buy or offer for sale.
  4. Perfectly legal, as long as you use it carefully.
The purpose of this page is to give you a rough guide, helping you to avoid ending up with something you thought you could use - only to see it get taken to the crusher while you get taken to court and fined.
This is not intended to be a full list of all equipment or legal issues.

Legal to own and use for CB:
Approved CB transceivers: FM only, UK or CEPT frequencies only. These usually have a stamp mark to show approval.
Dipole antennas: No more than 1/2 wave (around 18 foot) in length, no more than 55mm diameter.
Monopole antennas: No more than 5/8 wave (around 21 foot) in length, no more than 55mm diameter.
Microphones: Any type is allowed, although incorrect setting of an amplified type may take the transceiver beyond legal specification.
SWR meter: Any type, but it may only be connected while testing or adjusting the antenna.
Accessories: An accessory which does not make the CB operate outside of the legal limits and does not form any product specifically listed as illegal.
Add-on circuits: Any add-on that does not make the CB operate outside of the legal limits, and does not form any product specifically listed as illegal.

Legal to own, illegal for CB use:
These items may be imported, owned, purchased, or sold - but must not be used for CB purposes. Connecting these devices may be seen as evidence of illegal use.
Amateur transceivers: These may only be used by a licensed Amateur operator operating within allowed Amateur bands.
Modified CB transceivers: A CB which has been modified for other frequencies or additional power may not be used on CB frequencies.
Large antennas: Any antenna not meeting the length and width measurements (see above).
Directional antennas: Any antenna designed to radiate more signal in certain directions than others.
Power amplifiers: Devices designed to increase power output are not allowed on Citizens Band.
Receive amplifiers: Devices, also known as pre-amps, designed to increase received signal strength are not allowed on Citizens Band.
Add-on circuits: Any add-on designed to modify the operating frequencies, power or, in any other way, make the CB operate beyond the legal requirements.

Illegal to own or use:
These items are illegal to import, own, connect, use, or offer for sale. Each of those acts may form a separate offense, and you may be prosecuted for each.
AM CB transceivers: Imported AM CB equipment, such as American CBs.
SSB CB transceivers: Imported SSB CB equipment, such as American CBs.

Perfectly legal, if used carefully:
Even if a product is not specifically illegal, using any item in a way that makes the system operate outside of the specified legal limits may render a person liable to prosecution.
The following are examples, other products may also cause such issues. As a general rule of thumb, be aware of any accessory or add-on circuit which offers you improved performance from your present equipment.
Amplified microphones: If turned up to high, deviation is likely to exceed legal limit. Also likely to cause interference, which may be reported.
Speech processor: If turned up to high, deviation is likely to exceed legal limit. Also likely to cause interference, which may be reported.
Other examples exist and, as a general rule of thumb, be aware of any accessory or add-on circuit which offers you improved performance from your present equipment.