Legal & Technical Info

Current Regulations

License Free since 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.

This allows:
  • Personal Communication: Two-way conversations between licensed CB stations
  • Emergency Communication: Emergency assistance and traveler aid
  • Mobile Communication: Vehicle-to-vehicle communication
  • Base Stations: Fixed station personal communication
Still Required

CB radio users must still comply with the technical and operational regulations outlined in the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015.

  • ✓ Follow power limits
  • ✓ Use designated frequencies only
  • ✓ Avoid interference
  • ✓ Respect prohibited uses

Modulation & Power Limits

Modulation types have different power limits and characteristics.

AM (Amplitude Modulation)

4W Max

Power Limit
Characteristics:
  • Most common mode
  • Good for local communication
  • Compatible with most radios
  • Less efficient than FM/SSB

Traditional CB mode, widely supported by all CB radios.

FM (Frequency Modulation)

4W Max

Power Limit
Characteristics:
  • Better audio quality
  • Less noise and static
  • Good for local/regional
  • Requires FM-capable radio

Cleaner audio but limited to radios with FM capability.

SSB (Single Sideband)

12W PEP

Power Limit
Characteristics:
  • Maximum power allowed
  • Best for long distance (DX)
  • More efficient power usage
  • Requires SSB-capable radio

Preferred for long-distance communication and DX work.

Frequency Allocation Chart

Standard: 40 Channels | 10 kHz Spacing | 26.96 - 27.41 MHz
Channels 1-20
Channel Frequency (MHz) Common Use
1 26.965 General
2 26.975 General
3 26.985 General
4 27.005 General
5 27.015 General
6 27.025 General
7 27.035 General
8 27.055 General
9 27.065 Emergency - Distress
10 27.075 General
11 27.085 General
12 27.105 General
13 27.115 General
14 27.125 General
15 27.135 General
16 27.155 General
17 27.165 General
18 27.175 General
19 27.185 Calling channel - Find others
20 27.205 General
Channels 21-40
Channel Frequency (MHz) Common Use
21 27.215 General
22 27.225 General
23 27.255 General
24 27.235 General
25 27.245 General
26 27.265 General
27 27.275 General
28 27.285 General
29 27.295 General
30 27.305 General
31 27.315 General
32 27.325 General
33 27.335 General
34 27.345 General
35 27.355 General
36 27.365 General
37 27.375 General
38 27.385 General
39 27.395 General
40 27.405 General

Ready to Get Started?

Equipment Guide