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CB radio

CB radio, short for citizens band radio, is a short-distance, two-way voice radio service used by the general public for personal or business communication.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

CB radio, short for citizens band radio, is a short-distance, two-way voice radio service used by the general public for personal or business communication. It typically operates on 40 channels in the 27 MHz band and, in many countries, does not require an individual licence. The service is distinct from amateur radio, FRS, GMRS, MURS, and similar personal radio services.

Definition and operation

CB radio is a short-range radio voice service used for direct communication between users. It generally relies on a transceiver and antenna, and is designed for local communication rather than long-distance broadcasting.

Channels and frequency

In the United States, CB radio is allocated 40 channels in the 27 MHz band, also called the 11-metre band. The FCC describes the service as operating between 26.965 MHz and 27.405 MHz.

Regulation and licensing

CB radio rules vary by country, but many jurisdictions do not require an individual licence. In the United States, the FCC regulates CB as the Citizens Band Radio Service and does not require an individual licence for operation.

History

CB radio developed in the United States during the 1940s under the Citizens Radio Service framework. It was designated as a special class of service in 1958 and later permitted for hobby use in 1975.

Key facts

  • CB radio is a land mobile radio system for short-distance one-to-many bidirectional voice communication.
  • In the United States, CB radio uses 40 channels between 26.965 MHz and 27.405 MHz.
  • CB radios typically use a transceiver and an antenna.
  • CB operation does not require a licence in many countries.
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Canadian context

CB radio is relevant in Canada because CB communications are also permitted there, making it a familiar short-range radio service for drivers, rural users, and hobbyists.

Frequently asked questions

What does CB stand for?
CB stands for "citizens band."
How many CB channels are there?
In the United States, CB radio has 40 channels.
Do you need a licence for CB radio?
In many countries, no individual licence is required; in the United States, the FCC does not require an individual licence for CB operation.
What frequency does CB radio use?
In the United States, CB radio operates from 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz.
Is CB radio the same as amateur radio?
No. CB radio is a separate personal radio service and is distinct from amateur radio.
What is CB radio used for?
It is used for short-distance voice communication for personal or business activities, often in vehicles or fixed locations.

References

  1. Federal Communications Commission — https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/citizens-band-radio-service-cbrs
    Supports: Official description of CBRS, 40 channels, frequency range, and no individual licence requirement in the United States.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/technology/citizens-band-radio
    Supports: General definition, typical equipment, U.S. channels and power limits, historical origin, and mention of Canada as a country where CB communications are allowed.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_band_radio
    Supports: General definition of CB radio as a short-distance land mobile radio system and distinction from other personal radio services.
  4. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/media/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/cb-radio
    Supports: General description of CB radio as a short-range mobile communication system.