The FCC issued an enforcement advisory today to remind radio operators against the use of two way radios on the amateur and personal radio services to commit or facilitate criminal acts. The advisory reiterated that operators on these services are prohibited from transmitting communications that can lead to crimes.
The advisory was issued November 4, 2024 and states that those who engage in such illegal activities will be subject to sever penalties, including hefty fines, seizure of equipment and even criminal prosecution.
Although the FCC acknowledges the rights to speech that is protected by the first Amendment, such rights do not include communications that may be connected with any activity that is considered unlawful according to Federal, State or local law.
As stated in the Advisory:
"The Bureau recognizes that these services can be used for a wide range of permitted and socially beneficial purposes, including emergency communications and speech that is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Amateur and Personal Radio Services, however, may not be used to commit or facilitate crimes."
The radio services affected by the advisory include:
- Amateur Radio Service (Ham Radio)
- Family Radio Service (FRS)
- General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
- CB Radio Service (CB)
Although the advisory didn't specifically mention the Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS), it is also listed in Part 95 as a Personal Radio Service, and is therefore likely included as part of the Advisory as well.
According to the FCC advisory, "Individuals using radios in the Amateur or Personal Radio Services in this manner may be subject to severe penalties, including significant fines, seizure of the offending equipment, and, in some cases, criminal prosecution."
Read the complete Enforcement Advisory No. 2024-03 for details.
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