Rules note: You need an FCC license to transmit on GMRS (47 CFR 95.1705). Use only FCC-certified GMRS radios, and stay within the power and channel limits for your station type. This is general information, not legal advice. The eCFR text of Part 95 Subpart E is the authority.
GMRS has 30 channels, and the rules for each depend on two things: which group the channel is in and what kind of station is transmitting. This page puts 95.1763 (channels), 95.1767 (power) and 95.1773 (bandwidth) together in one chart.
On this page
The four channel groups
“The GMRS is allotted 30 channels—16 main channels and 14 interstitial channels” (95.1763).
| Channel (FRS numbering) | Frequency (MHz) | Group | Who may transmit (95.1763) | Power limit (95.1767) | Bandwidth (95.1773) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–7 | 462.5625–462.7125 | 462 MHz interstitial | Mobile, handheld, base | 5 W ERP | 20 kHz |
| 8–14 | 467.5625–467.7125 | 467 MHz interstitial | Handheld only | 0.5 W ERP | 12.5 kHz |
| 15–22 | 462.5500–462.7250 | 462 MHz main | Mobile, handheld, repeater, base, fixed | 50 W output (mobile, repeater, base); 15 W (fixed) | 20 kHz |
| RP15–RP22 (repeater input) | 467.5500–467.7250 | 467 MHz main | Mobile, handheld, control, fixed: only through a repeater or for brief tests | Same as 462 MHz main | 20 kHz |
Channel numbers 1–22 follow the FRS table in 95.563; the GMRS rules list frequencies only. “RP” labels are a common radio-maker convention. Midland’s MXT575 guide calls the repeater channels “RP15–22” (Midland).
Station types, defined by what they do
- Handheld (portable): a radio you carry. It’s the only station type allowed on the 467 MHz interstitial channels.
- Mobile: installed in a vehicle.
- Base: at a fixed location, talking directly with other stations.
- Repeater: retransmits signals received on a 467 MHz main channel on the paired 462 MHz main channel.
- Control and fixed stations: used to control or link to a station at a fixed point.
Power, channel by channel
Main channels (462 and 467 MHz). “The transmitter output power of mobile, repeater and base stations must not exceed 50 Watts,” and fixed stations must not exceed 15 W (95.1767(a)). This is transmitter output, measured before the antenna.
462 MHz interstitials (channels 1–7). Effective radiated power (ERP) for mobile, handheld and base stations must not exceed 5 W (95.1767(b)). ERP includes antenna gain, so a high-gain antenna can push a radio over the limit on these channels.
467 MHz interstitials (channels 8–14). Handhelds only, at no more than 0.5 W ERP (95.1767(c)), and the authorized bandwidth is 12.5 kHz (95.1773(b)).
Repeater pairs: always +5 MHz
Each 462 MHz main channel pairs with the 467 MHz main channel exactly 5 MHz above it:
| Output (listen) | Input (talk) |
|---|---|
| 462.5500 | 467.5500 |
| 462.5750 | 467.5750 |
| 462.6000 | 467.6000 |
| 462.6250 | 467.6250 |
| 462.6500 | 467.6500 |
| 462.6750 | 467.6750 |
| 462.7000 | 467.7000 |
| 462.7250 | 467.7250 |
Frequencies are from 95.1763(a) and (c). Mobile and handheld units may transmit on the 467 MHz main channels “only when communicating through a repeater station or making brief test transmissions.” Our repeater offset and tone planner does the pairing for you.
Bandwidth and deviation
Main channels and 462 MHz interstitials have a 20 kHz authorized bandwidth with ±5 kHz peak deviation. The 467 MHz interstitials have 12.5 kHz bandwidth with ±2.5 kHz deviation (95.1773, 95.1775). Many radios offer a wide/narrow setting; Midland lists “Narrow and Wide Band” on the MXT575 (Midland).
Choosing a channel
- Talking with FRS radios nearby: channels 1–7 or 15–22. FRS handhelds use those channels too.
- Most range simplex (no repeater): a main channel (15–22) with a mobile or base radio, within the 50 W limit.
- Handheld-only short range: channels 8–14.
- Repeater: set the radio to the repeater’s output and input pair, with the right tone.
Whatever you pick, listen first. Channels are shared and “not assigned by the FCC for the exclusive use of any person or station” (95.359).
Which channels carry data
Short data messages (location, location requests and brief texts) are allowed only on the 462 MHz main channels and on the interstitial channels in both bands (95.1773(c)). GMRS handhelds that send data:
- must keep each transmission to one second or less;
- may not send more than once every 30 seconds, except automatic replies;
- may not send data on the 467 MHz main channels (95.1787(a)).
That keeps repeater inputs free for voice.
Emissions in plain terms
GMRS radios must be able to transmit F3E or G3E, which is ordinary FM voice. Only listed emission types are allowed in GMRS (95.1771). You’ll rarely need to think about this, because certified radios are built to comply. It’s one more reason to buy a radio certified for GMRS (95.1761).
Frequency accuracy
Radios must stay within 5 parts per million of the channel center on 20 kHz channels, and within 2.5 ppm on 12.5 kHz channels (95.1765). Operators share responsibility for this, so stop transmitting with a radio you know is malfunctioning (95.319).
FAQ
Is 50 W allowed on every channel?
No. Only on the main channels, and only for mobile, repeater and base stations.
Can a base station use channels 1–7?
Yes, at 5 W ERP or less (95.1763(b), 95.1767(b)).
Can my repeater use an interstitial channel?
No. Repeaters may transmit only on the 462 MHz main channels.