The GMRS radio code of conduct emphasizes ** clear, plain language communication**, requiring operators to identify with their FCC call sign every 15 minutes and at the end of transmissions, and strictly prohibiting illegal, coded, or commercial messages. Key rules involve yielding to emergencies, avoiding music/entertainment, using “listen-before-talk” to reduce interference, and remembering it’s a family service, meaning courteous, simple talk is best, avoiding amateur radio codes like “10-codes”.
Key Rules & Regulations
- Identification: Transmit your FCC call sign at the end of a conversation and at least every 15 minutes.
- Prohibited Content: No illegal messages, false/deceptive messages, coded messages (including 10-codes), music, whistling, advertisements, or political broadcasts.
- Emergency Traffic: Yield immediately to emergency messages (e.g., “break break break”).
- Interference: Cooperate on channel selection and use “listen-before-talk” to avoid doubling up transmissions.
- Continuous Transmissions: Avoid continuous, uninterrupted transmissions (except for immediate safety).
- Clear Language: Use plain, clear English, not amateur radio codes or phonetics, as it’s a family service.
Etiquette & Best Practices
- Be Courteous: Speak clearly and concisely, as if in person.
- No “Cursing”: While not strictly enforced, it’s discouraged as children might be listening.
- Simple Talk: Keep conversations brief and to the point; avoid long, complicated transmissions without breaks.
- Roger Beeps: Consider enabling roger beeps for clarity if you don’t mind hearing others’, or simply change the channel if you do.
What to Avoid (Legally & Etiquette)
- Illegal Activities: Anything against federal, state, or local law.
- Commercial Use: Selling goods or services.
- Distress Signals: Do not use international distress signals unless in actual distress.
- Interference: Don’t intentionally interfere with others
Not For Commercial Use
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) is primarily for personal, family, and recreational use, not general commercial operations, requiring a license that covers your household for things like off-roading, family events, and emergency comms, while businesses needing regular, dedicated communication should use professional radio systems like LMRS or MURS for dedicated business frequencies, although some small, occasional business use might fall under specific rules if everyone involved is individually licensed and it doesn’t disrupt others.
Key Differences & Rules
- GMRS (Personal/Family):
- License: Yes, an FCC license ($35 for 10 years) covering the license holder and immediate family.
- Use: Ideal for family coordination, camping, hiking, off-roading.
- Commercial Use: Generally prohibited for standard business, but a loophole exists if every single employee using the radio gets their own GMRS license, which is often impractical and costly compared to a business license.
- Business Band (LMRS/MURS):
- License: Specific business licenses are required, often tied to the company.
- Use: Dedicated for companies, race teams, large organizations needing reliable internal comms.
- Examples: Motorola business radios (MURS, Digital systems) are designed for this.
- CB Radio:
- License: Not required.
- Use: Permitted for business, but lower quality/range than GMRS.
Why the Confusion?
- Some small businesses try to use GMRS because it’s easier to get into, but it can quickly become a nuisance to other users and technically against the spirit (if not the letter, with many individual licenses) of the rules for heavy daily use.
- The FCC is strict about GMRS being for personal use, with specific prohibitions on political messages or international distress calls.
In Summary: If it’s for your family’s adventures, get a GMRS license. If it’s for your business operations, look into dedicated business radio services for proper licensing and frequency management.