Excuses could cost lives!
The channels aren’t used
This is an argument often heard from those misusing the channels for their own use. It is true that mobile telephones have largely replaced the one time popular use of CB, however mobile phones still have black spots, rural regions with zero coverage, and in the past have been put out of commission for extended periods by storms, floods, fires and network outages. During these times CB (especially UHF) is commonly used to provide a link for people to summon help.
In addition many emergency services use CB, and the emergency channels, to talk with the general public during a response, including RFDS, rescue aircraft, and bush fire services. You never know when the emergency channels will be needed for an emergency, and chances are if you’re busy chatting you will never hear that faint call for help.
We’ll stop if we hear a call
This often goes hand-in-hand with the first excuse. The problem here is:
- very weak calls may not be heard if you are busy chatting among yourselves; and
- this use is still unlawful under the class licence!
No matter how you put it, using the emergency channels for any reason other than what they are legally designated for is both illegal and potentially life/property endangering. The question you need to ask is – “if it was my family whose life was in danger, would I still use the channel the way I am?”
We’ve used this channel for years
This is not an excuse! Ignorance of the law, any law, is no excuse. The channels have been identified as emergency channels since 1978/79. Prior to 1994 all licensing information issued by the Australian Government showed the emergency channels. When the class licence came out in 1994 nothing changed, and over more recent years every user guide supplied with Australian CB equipment must include a channel chart that identifies the emergency channels, so the fact you’ve used the channels illegally for years is no legal excuse (we’re sure that if you received a speeding fine you wouldn’t go before a judge and say “but I’ve done that speed past the school for years!”)
If the call can’t get through, help may not reach you!
NOTE! These channels are monitored by volunteers and volunteer organisations. Coverage may not be extensive in many regions, although groups are working to extend the monitoring capability of 5/35 repeaters. If you need to rely on CB to call for help, and you can’t receive a response on the emergency channels, try other local channels including the road channel (UHF 40), or local repeaters. If necessary you can always transfer your call to the emergency channels to free up the other channel for normal use. Calling triple-zero (000) from a mobile or fixed line phone will always be the better option to call for help as it allows you to speak directly with the emergency service. For outback regions, HF radio on the VKS-737 Radio Network or Austravel Safety Net will offer better coverage.
More Info
- ACMA CB class licence information
- Phone us: 0448 402 359.
- Phone ACMA: 1300 850 115.
| UHF CB 80 channel plan | 1462 Downloads | |
| Fact Sheet 01 – Emergency Channels | 212 Downloads |
Law References
The following Commonwealth legislation was referenced on this page (where possible a link to the legislation has been provided):
- Radiocommunications (Citizen Band Radio Stations) Class Licence 2025
- section 7(1)
- section 4(1)
- Radiocommunications Act 1992
- section 132(3)
- sections 46 & 47
- section 194
- section 132(3)
- sections 46 & 47
- section 194
- section 132(3)
- sections 46 & 47
- section 194
- Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2025
- Schedule-Defined expressions