Is Mobile Use of CB Radios Becomming Illegal?

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by DoctorZ, Aug 5, 2020.

  1. DoctorZ

    DoctorZ Bobtail Member

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    Until February of 2020, I did not know of any Distracted Driving laws that banned the use of CB Radios. CB Radios have piggy-backed on Ham Radio exemptions throughout the Distracted Driving law restrictions--until now.

    In February 2020 Massachusetts Distracted Driving law went into effect that only has exemptions for "Federally Licensed" 2-way radio operators. CB's are NOT licensed, so this means no more CB use while driving through the State of Massachusetts.

    Also GMRS would still be allowed, but FRS would not. Here's a link to the new law:

    Massachusetts Distracted Driving Law As Applied to Ham Radio Operation | Barnstable Amateur Radio Club
     
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  3. russbrill

    russbrill Medium Load Member

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    CB Radio is Licensed by Rule, so all operators are licensed as long as they follow the Rules... Most States prohibit handheld device usage while driving, this includes Amateur Radio HT's. In CA using a dash mounted Push-to-Talk Two-Way Radio does not count as a "Distracted Driving" device.
     
  4. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Legal un a state or not,got my doubts a cop will nail you for it unless your seen yackin and causeing issues of some sort..
    Then again the folks of the fcc/dot/local po po might see it as a cash cow..
     
  5. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Really?

    Ht not legal to use in California?

    Isn't there something called regulatory preemption and the federal government regulates the use of two way radio equipment through the interstate commerce clause, this was long established.

    The Feds don't qualify what device to use, so cali seems to be getting it wrong ... again.

    As for other states, no go either.
     
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  6. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Seems cali likes to make up their own rules..They did it with trk emmissions to i hear..
     
  7. DoctorZ

    DoctorZ Bobtail Member

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    If you read carefully the words "Federally Licensed" are in all those exemptions. CB is unregulated--it's the Old West of the air waves!
     
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  8. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Unless your seen or some dude is out and happens along as to tx and he has his handy dandy acme trucker tracker in most will not have to worry..
     
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  9. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Wrong, it is very federally regulated, it is an unlicensed form of communications but nevertheless it is very regulated.
     
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  10. DoctorZ

    DoctorZ Bobtail Member

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    What I meant was the regulations are rarely enforced so therefore unregulated for practical purposes.
     
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  11. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Yeah doc i agree..Unless your a total a hole and have a 100 ft tower puttin out mega dirty watts power and being an ### anout it then chances are your fine..
     
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