GMRS Operating Rules
The General Mobile Radio Service is governed by 47 CFR Part 95, Subpart E. This page summarizes the rules that apply whenever a GMRS station transmits, with the section each comes from, followed by common operating courtesy that is good practice but not a rule.
What the Rules Say
Identify with the call sign
Each GMRS station transmits its FCC-assigned call sign at the end of a transmission or series of transmissions, and at least once every 15 minutes during a series lasting longer than that. A unit number may follow the call sign.
Identification is by voice in English or by Morse code using an audible tone.
What GMRS is for
GMRS stations may be used for two-way, plain-language voice communication with other GMRS stations and with FRS radios, about personal or business activities.
One-way transmissions are limited to emergency communications and calls for help, warnings of hazardous road conditions to travelers, and brief test transmissions. Communications that help a traveler reach a destination or obtain services are also permitted.
What may not be transmitted
GMRS stations may not transmit messages connected with unlawful activity; false or deceptive messages; coded messages or messages with hidden meanings (ten-codes are permitted); music, whistling, sound effects or material to amuse or entertain; advertisements or offers for the sale of goods or services; or advertisements for a political candidate or campaign.
Also prohibited: messages to stations in the Amateur Radio Service, unauthorized stations or foreign stations (except emergency messages); continuous or uninterrupted transmissions (except for the immediate safety of life or property); messages for public address systems; and the international distress signal “Mayday” except from a ship, aircraft or other vehicle in immediate danger.
Analog voice, certified radios
Every GMRS radio must be able to transmit FM voice (F3E or G3E). The authorized voice emissions are analog: FM, AM and single-sideband. Hand-held radios may also send brief digital data: location information, location requests, and short text messages to another GMRS or FRS unit.
Each GMRS transmitter must be FCC-certified for the service.
Power limits
On the 462 and 467 MHz main channels, mobile, repeater and base stations may transmit up to 50 watts output, and fixed stations up to 15 watts.
On the seven 462 MHz interstitial channels (462.5625–462.7125 MHz, commonly numbered 1–7), mobile, hand-held and base stations are limited to 5 watts effective radiated power. On the seven 467 MHz interstitial channels (467.5625–467.7125 MHz, commonly numbered 8–14), only hand-held radios may transmit, at up to 0.5 watt effective radiated power.
Mobile and hand-held radios may transmit on the 467 MHz main channels only through a repeater or for brief tests.
Emergencies come first
Any GMRS channel may be used for emergency communications or traveler assistance, and every operator must give priority to emergency communications at all times and on all channels.
For an emergency message, a licensee may let anyone operate the station, and the limits on contacting amateur stations and on continuous transmission do not apply.
Operating Courtesy
Good operating practice, not FCC requirements.
- Listen before transmitting. A channel can sound idle while one side of a conversation is out of range.
- Pause briefly after keying up. Repeaters need a moment to open, and the first syllable is often lost.
- Use plain language. Ten-codes are permitted, but they vary by region and many listeners do not know them.
- Keep transmissions short and leave gaps, so emergency traffic can get through.
- A repeater belongs to its owner. Follow the owner’s access tone and usage rules.
- Channel 20 is widely used as a calling channel, and channels 1–7 for local simplex. These are conventions, not rules.
This page summarizes the FCC rules for reference. It is not legal advice, and the rules themselves control: read 47 CFR Part 95, Subpart E for the full text before relying on a summary here.
The sections most directly summarized here cover individual licenses and who may operate , permissible uses , prohibited uses , station identification , transmitter certification , channels , power limits , and emission types .
Reviewed against the eCFR version current on September 29, 2026.