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 is meant for everyday two-way talk between licensees, their families and other users. The rules list what’s allowed (95.1731) and what isn’t (95.1733), on top of the general Personal Radio Service bans (95.333). This guide walks through both lists.
On this page
What GMRS is for
The FCC defines GMRS as “a mobile two-way voice communication service, with limited data applications, for facilitating activities of individual licensees and their family members,” including volunteer help to the public during emergencies and natural disasters (95.1703).
Permitted uses (95.1731)
- Two-way voice about personal or business activities. You may talk “with other GMRS stations and with FRS units concerning personal or business activities” (95.1731). Business talk is allowed, for example coordinating work on your farm.
- Emergency communications and traveler assistance on any channel. Emergency traffic always has priority (95.1731(a)).
- Limited one-way transmissions: calls for help, warnings of hazardous road conditions, and brief test transmissions (95.1731(b)).
- Helping travelers reach a destination or necessary services (95.1731(c)).
- Digital data from handhelds: location information, location requests, or a brief text to a specific unit (95.1731(d)).
Prohibited uses (95.1733)
GMRS stations must not communicate:
- Messages connected with any activity that breaks federal, state or local law.
- False or deceptive messages.
- Coded messages or messages with hidden meanings. “’10 codes’ are permissible.”
- Music, whistling, sound effects, or material to amuse or entertain.
- Advertisements or offers to sell goods or services.
- Political campaign advertisements. Messages about campaign business are allowed.
- International distress signals such as “Mayday,” except from a ship, aircraft or other vehicle in immediate danger.
- Messages carried by a wireline control link and also transmitted by a GMRS station.
- Messages, other than emergencies, to amateur radio stations, unauthorized stations or foreign stations.
- Continuous or uninterrupted transmissions, except for the immediate safety of life or property.
- Messages for public address systems.
Source: 95.1733(a). GMRS also may not be used for one-way communications other than those listed in 95.1731(b) (95.1733(b)).
General Part 95 bans (95.333)
No Personal Radio Service station may be used to (95.333):
- Transmit broadcast program material, or messages for hire.
- Provide a common carrier service.
- Intentionally interfere with other stations.
- Transmit obscene, profane or indecent language.
Internet-linked repeaters
The FCC GMRS page addresses this directly. Repeaters “may not be linked via the internet” to extend communications across a large area. Linking repeaters so a distant repeater retransmits your signal “violates sections 95.1733(a)(8) and 95.1749.” Networks may be used only to remote-control a repeater, not to carry communications (FCC; 95.1745, 95.1749).
Telephone connections
“Operation of a GMRS station with a telephone connection is prohibited.” Repeater, base and fixed stations may connect to networks only for remote control (95.1749).
Equipment rules
- Certified radios only. Each GMRS transmitter must be certified (95.1761), and using a non-certified transmitter “voids the user’s authority to operate” (95.335).
- No add-on frequency controls. Frequency-determining circuitry and programming controls must be internal and not reachable from outside the radio (95.1761(c)). Don’t modify a radio to add channels.
- Malfunctions: stop transmitting with equipment you know isn’t working properly, except for emergencies (95.319).
Who is responsible
- The licensee, always. “The holder of an individual license … is responsible at all times for the proper operation of the stations” (95.1705(b)).
- Minors: operators under 18 aren’t held personally responsible for improper operation of a GMRS repeater or base station. The licensee is solely responsible (95.1743).
- Choosing operators: the licensee decides which family members may operate (95.1705(d)(1)).
- Shared stations: sharing must be free, non-profit cost-sharing or reciprocal, under a written agreement, and the licensee must keep control of the station (95.1705(f)).
Practical examples
| Situation | Allowed? | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinating cattle moves on your ranch with family | Yes | 95.1731 |
| Warning drivers on a channel about a washed-out road | Yes (one-way hazard warning) | 95.1731(b)(2) |
| Playing music over the channel | No | 95.1733(a)(4) |
| Advertising firewood for sale | No | 95.1733(a)(5) |
| Using “10-4” | Yes | 95.1733(a)(3) |
| Linking your repeater to another over the internet | No | 95.1733(a)(8), 95.1749 |
| Keying up continuously to hold a channel | No | 95.1733(a)(10) |
FAQ
Can I use GMRS for my business?
Yes, for “personal or business activities,” as long as the operators are you and your licensed or covered family, or other licensees. New licenses go only to individuals (95.1705).
Can I talk to ham operators on GMRS?
Only in emergencies (95.1733(a)(9)).
Can I say “Mayday”?
Only from a ship, aircraft or other vehicle in immediate danger. Otherwise, call for help in plain language.