Legal Information

Complete guide to CB radio regulations in South Africa

LICENSE FREE SINCE MAY 2023

Current Regulations

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 Changes:
  • No License Required: Personal use of CB radio no longer requires a license
  • Immediate Effect: Changes took effect on publication date
  • Simplified Compliance: Reduced regulatory burden for users
  • Emergency Use Encouraged: Recognized importance for emergency communication
Important Note

While no license is required, CB radio users must still comply with the technical and operational regulations outlined in the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015.

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

Frequency Allocation

Official Frequency Band

26.96 MHz

Lower Limit

27.41 MHz

Upper Limit

40

Total Channels

10 kHz

Channel Spacing
ISM Band Overlap

CB radio operates within the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band. Users must accept harmful interference from ISM equipment operating in the frequency range 26.96 MHz to 27.28 MHz.

Channel Allocation Details:
  • Channel 1: 26.965 MHz
  • Channel 2: 26.975 MHz
  • ...
  • Channel 40: 27.405 MHz
View Complete Channel List

Power Limits

4 Watts

AM Modulation

Amplitude Modulation maximum power output

4 Watts

FM Modulation

Frequency Modulation maximum power output

12 Watts

SSB PEP

Single Sideband Peak Envelope Power

Power Limit Enforcement

Exceeding these power limits is illegal and may result in interference to other radio services. Always ensure your equipment complies with these specifications.

Prohibited Uses

Strictly Forbidden
  • Commercial Business Communication: No business communication between fixed points
  • Broadcasting: No material intended for transmission over broadcasting stations
  • Foreign Stations: No communication with foreign or unlicensed radio stations
  • Paid Services: No remuneration for message transmission or reception
  • Interference: Operating in a way that causes interference to other radio stations
What's Allowed
  • Personal Communication: Two-way conversations between licensed CB stations
  • Emergency Communication: Emergency assistance and traveler aid
  • Plain Language: Normal conversation in plain language or 10-codes
  • Mobile Communication: Vehicle-to-vehicle communication
  • Base Stations: Fixed station personal communication

Emergency Usage

Emergency Communication Guidelines

Use CB radio as backup communication when cellular networks are unavailable.

Emergency Use Provisions:
  • Any Channel: Any CB channel may be used for emergency communication
  • Traveler Assistance: Helping stranded motorists and travelers
  • Medical Emergencies: Coordinating medical assistance
  • Disaster Response: Communication during natural disasters
Emergency Channel Protocol

While any channel can be used for emergencies, the designated emergency channel should not be used for routine communication - only for actual emergencies and traveler assistance.

Legal References

Primary Legislation
  • Government Gazette Vol 695 No 48643
    Published: May 23, 2023
  • Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015
    Technical and operational requirements
Technical Standards
  • EN 300 433 v2.0.1
    Equipment test standards
  • CEPT ERC REC 70-03
    Frequency allocation reference
  • National Radio Frequency Plan 2021
    Page 75 - CB allocation details

Ready to Get Started?

Now that you understand the legal requirements, explore our other resources

Quick Start Guide Technical Specs Equipment Guide