CB Radio Frequency List

Citizens Band (CB) radio remains a popular tool for communication across various demographics, from truck drivers to hobbyists.

Understanding the specific frequencies and channels can greatly enhance your CB radio experience, whether you’re looking to avoid interference, find active channels, or just explore what the band has to offer.

This is a comprehensive guide to the CB radio frequency list and some key insights into how to use these frequencies effectively.

Overview of CB Radio

CB radio operates on 40 shared channels within a 27 MHz band, specifically from 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz. It is designated for public use without the need for a license in many countries, including the United States. Here, CB radio can be used with AM, SSB (Single Side Band), and recently, FM has been allowed in some areas, providing users with various modes of communication.

Here is a detailed list of CB radio frequencies and their corresponding channels:

Standard CB Radio Channels (AM and SSB)

  1. Channel 1: 26.965 MHz
  2. Channel 2: 26.975 MHz
  3. Channel 3: 26.985 MHz
  4. Channel 4: 27.005 MHz
  5. Channel 5: 27.015 MHz
  6. Channel 6: 27.025 MHz
  7. Channel 7: 27.035 MHz
  8. Channel 8: 27.055 MHz
  9. Channel 9: 27.065 MHz (Emergency/Reserved for emergencies)
  10. Channel 10: 27.075 MHz
  11. Channel 11: 27.085 MHz (Formerly a calling channel)
  12. Channel 12: 27.105 MHz
  13. Channel 13: 27.115 MHz
  14. Channel 14: 27.125 MHz (Used for remote control devices in some regions)
  15. Channel 15: 27.135 MHz
  16. Channel 16: 27.155 MHz
  17. Channel 17: 27.165 MHz
  18. Channel 18: 27.175 MHz
  19. Channel 19: 27.185 MHz (Highway/Truckers channel)
  20. Channel 20: 27.205 MHz
  21. Channel 21: 27.215 MHz
  22. Channel 22: 27.225 MHz
  23. Channel 23: 27.255 MHz
  24. Channel 24: 27.235 MHz
  25. Channel 25: 27.245 MHz
  26. Channel 26: 27.265 MHz
  27. Channel 27: 27.275 MHz
  28. Channel 28: 27.285 MHz
  29. Channel 29: 27.295 MHz
  30. Channel 30: 27.305 MHz
  31. Channel 31: 27.315 MHz
  32. Channel 32: 27.325 MHz
  33. Channel 33: 27.335 MHz
  34. Channel 34: 27.345 MHz
  35. Channel 35: 27.355 MHz
  36. Channel 36: 27.365 MHz
  37. Channel 37: 27.375 MHz
  38. Channel 38: 27.385 MHz (LSB – Lower Side Band)
  39. Channel 39: 27.395 MHz (LSB – Lower Side Band)
  40. Channel 40: 27.405 MHz (LSB – Lower Side Band)

UK-Specific CB Radio Frequencies

In the UK, there are additional channels authorized specifically for CB radio use, which are found on the FM (Frequency Modulation) band:

UK FM CB Channels

  1. Channel 1: 27.60125 MHz
  2. Channel 2: 27.61125 MHz
  3. Channel 3: 27.62125 MHz
  4. Channel 4: 27.63125 MHz
  5. Channel 5: 27.64125 MHz
  6. Channel 6: 27.65125 MHz
  7. Channel 7: 27.66125 MHz
  8. Channel 8: 27.67125 MHz
  9. Channel 9: 27.68125 MHz (Reserved for emergencies)
  10. Channel 10: 27.69125 MHz
  11. Channel 11: 27.70125 MHz
  12. Channel 12: 27.71125 MHz
  13. Channel 13: 27.72125 MHz
  14. Channel 14: 27.73125 MHz
  15. Channel 15: 27.74125 MHz
  16. Channel 16: 27.75125 MHz
  17. Channel 17: 27.76125 MHz
  18. Channel 18: 27.77125 MHz
  19. Channel 19: 27.78125 MHz (Highway/Truckers channel)
  20. Channel 20: 27.79125 MHz
  21. Channel 21: 27.80125 MHz
  22. Channel 22: 27.81125 MHz
  23. Channel 23: 27.82125 MHz
  24. Channel 24: 27.83125 MHz
  25. Channel 25: 27.84125 MHz
  26. Channel 26: 27.85125 MHz
  27. Channel 27: 27.86125 MHz
  28. Channel 28: 27.87125 MHz
  29. Channel 29: 27.88125 MHz
  30. Channel 30: 27.89125 MHz
  31. Channel 31: 27.90125 MHz
  32. Channel 32: 27.91125 MHz
  33. Channel 33: 27.92125 MHz
  34. Channel 34: 27.93125 MHz
  35. Channel 35: 27.94125 MHz
  36. Channel 36: 27.95125 MHz
  37. Channel 37: 27.96125 MHz
  38. Channel 38: 27.97125 MHz
  39. Channel 39: 27.98125 MHz
  40. Channel 40: 27.99125 MHz

Additional Information

  • Channel 9: Reserved for emergency communications.
  • Channel 19: Commonly used by truckers and for highway communication.
  • SSB (Single Side Band): Channels 36-40 are often used for SSB communication, especially in the USA.

This frequency list covers the standard CB radio channels used in the USA and the additional FM channels specific to the UK.

Tips for Optimal Use

  • Avoid Interference: To minimize interference, try not to cluster around busy channels if it’s not necessary. Exploring less congested channels might lead to clearer communications.
  • Proper Setup: Ensure your antenna is properly set up and tuned to your radio. A well-tuned antenna is crucial for both transmitting and receiving clear signals.
  • Respect Regulations: Always adhere to communication etiquette and legal guidelines, particularly keeping emergency channels clear unless in genuine need.

Summary

Navigating the CB radio frequency list effectively can greatly enhance your communication experience. By understanding and properly utilizing the designated channels, CB radio operators can ensure efficient and courteous use of this valuable communication tool. Whether for casual conversations, emergency situations, or driving information, CB radio offers a unique and reliable way to connect with others over the airwaves.