CB Radio is License Free in South Africa

Citizens Band (CB) radio is a short-distance radio communication system that operates on the 27 MHz band. It's perfect for personal and recreational communication without needing a license.

Emergency Communication
Stay connected when cellphones fail
Road Trip Safety
Convoy communication and traffic updates
Local Communities
Families, businesses, and neighborhood watches
Off-Road Adventures
Keep in touch with your group

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Is it Legal?

YES - LICENSE FREE SINCE MAY 2023
What Changed?

On May 23, 2023, the South African government published Government Gazette Vol 695 No 48643, making CB radio license-free for the first time in the country's history.

Key Legal Points:
  • No license required for personal use
  • 4W power limit for AM/FM, 12W for SSB
  • Must use designated 40 channels only
  • Emergency use is encouraged
What's Still Restricted?
  • Business Use: No commercial communication between fixed points
  • Power Limits: Cannot exceed 4W AM/FM or 12W SSB
  • Frequencies: Must stay within 26.96-27.41 MHz band
  • Interference: Cannot cause interference to other services
Note: While no license is required, you must still follow the regulations outlined in the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations.