"Illegal" radios

[WQAI363]

On 7/29/2025 at 1:45 PM, NWHov said:

I am no tech type person so I apologize in advance, just trying to understand or conclude that my UV-5RM is nothing more, per the FCC, than a scanner to receive 22 GMRS/FRS frequencies?  If I want to use the radio only to transmit and receive on GMRS, per the FCC, I need to get a new radio that has is FCC certified (as GMRS) with frequencies added/locked by the manufacture.  Is this correct?

I foolishly assumed that once a two-way radio is no longer typed accepted or certified for a specific service, that radio may continue to be used. On the other hand, manufactures and venders can no longer sell those radios for their original intended service, even though they can still be used, 

[SteveShannon]

1 hour ago, WQAI363 said:

I foolishly assumed that once a two-way radio is no longer typed accepted or certified for a specific service, that radio may continue to be used. On the other hand, manufactures and venders can no longer sell those radios for their original intended service, even though they can still be used, 

That’s generally correct. From 95.335(b):

b) Revoked or withdrawn certification. In the event that the FCC revokes or withdraws a grant of equipment certification for a type of Personal Radio Service transmitter, existing transmitters already in service may continue to be operated unless and until the FCC determines otherwise and gives Public Notice of that decision.

[WSED611]

You can own any Radio you want, however where you transmit is depended on your License that you acquired,

and the max aloud TX/wattage allocated in that frequency range. Most unlocked radio's like the UV-5RM are ham radio's that will transmit in the GMRS band. However the TX Power will exceed what the FCC allows for GMRS band.

You can program any radio you want to frequencies to your liking, but again transmitting on frequencies your not licensed is against the law / FCC regulations.  I am not promoting to transmitting with more Power but I have yet to see the FCC knock on your door because you were transmitting instead of 0.5 watts you hit 2 watts. FCC has better things to do.  The FCC will come knocking if there are multiple complaints of you interfering with neighbors ( alarm system, TV, and possible other electronics).   

Just my 2 cents..

Have fun.

[NWHov]

On 7/30/2025 at 8:51 AM, SteveShannon said:

Well said, and I agree; this discussion should be taken to a separate thread so the OP can get what he needs. 

I'm good.  These conversations are giving me some info/questions I didn't even know I might need (even though I have no idea what it's about).  Continue on.

BTW...I already got what I needed here!

[NWHov]

8 hours ago, WSED611 said:

You can program any radio you want to frequencies to your liking, but again transmitting on frequencies your not licensed is against the law / FCC regulations.  I am not promoting to transmitting with more Power but I have yet to see the FCC knock on your door because you were transmitting instead of 0.5 watts you hit 2 watts. FCC has better things to do.  The FCC will come knocking if there are multiple complaints of you interfering with neighbors ( alarm system, TV, and possible other electronics).   

Just my 2 cents..

Have fun.

Well this may be another thread to start but I am curious about the FCC Volunteer Monitor (VM) Program being a formal partnership between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL).  hhhmmm  HAM enforcers only?  I wonder.

[SteveShannon]

32 minutes ago, NWHov said:

Well this may be another thread to start but I am curious about the FCC Volunteer Monitor (VM) Program being a formal partnership between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL).  hhhmmm  HAM enforcers only?  I wonder.

The MOU between the FCC and ARRL only support monitoring of amateur radio operators. 
https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Volunteer Monitor/2019 ARRL MOU - final 3-12.pdf