legality of CB radios

[Crazy~Johno]

Im not sure how much in force it is but there has been roumer of a 2 year prison sentance for people who are caught using sat nav systems and mobile phones whilst behind the wheel

is this the same for CB radios?? i dont fancy having a running with the local bill over it, ive not heard any body mention it but i didnt know what the exact law was??

Cheers

Crazy~Johno

[Rifleman]

It is perfectly legal to talk on a CB whilst driving as it is not a constant conversation piece of equipment. ie a mobile phone is a constant conversation tool as the conversation is unbroken.
I have the legal document somewhere, i'll try and find it and pass it on to you.
Keith.

[nitromotor]

It’s the frequency that’s the key
See http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2003/20032695.htm
CB radios as other two way radios are not covered with the mobile phone ban, see the frequency’s and definitions in two way radios HOWEVER that is not to say that you are free to use as you like, whilst its not an automatic offence to use under the regulations as mobiles are, and they fall under the exemption, however dangerous driving, undue care and attention will still provide a means for a possible prosecution if in the officers opinion views you driving as such.

[Rifleman]

Hi again, here is the site I was talking about earlier. It is mostly about phones, but mentions two way radios etc.
http://silkrallyradio.com/mobile_phones.htm
However bear in mind, if you are involved in an accident and there is proof you were using the CB at the time, you can be prosecuted for dangerous driving and driving without due care.

Hope this helps.
Regards
Keith.

[rangaKoo]

The 2 years for satnavs and mobile phones is generally looking at if you've caused an accident, if someone dies in that accident expect much higher sentences.

However with less than 300 prison spaces nationwide can you see people getting even 2 years?? no.

Again with the CB's like phones and satnavs as previously mentioned if you are seen to be driving "Without due car and attention" OR "In a dangerous manner" then you'll be stuck on no matter what you were doing, even lighting a cigarette can get you if you do it in an unsafe manner and especially if it causes and accident.

Si

[Hound Dog]

It is an offence to use a hand held mobile phone or an "interactive communications device", but there is an exemption for a two way radio which is designed or adapted -

(i) for the purpose of transmitting and receiving spoken messages; and
(ii) operates on any frequency other than 880 MHz to 915 MHz, 925 MHz to 960 MHz, 1710 MHz to 1785 MHz, 1805 MHz to 1880 MHz, 1900 MHz to 1980 MHz or 2110 MHz to 2170 MHz.

Ofcom states that you should be transmitting CB in the 27MHz range, if you are, you come within the exception and are OK. The exception was created because so many government and private organisations (e.g. taxis) use 2 way radios.

However, there is strong scientific evidence that any such activity (including fiddling with your CD player etc.) does raise the level of danger so far as accidents are concerned, so it is recommended that you do whatever you can to minimise use of transmitter buttons, tuning devices and volume controls. If something akin to hands free exists it would be a good idea.

Found this on the ofcom website
clicky here

[nitromotor]

Our roads are dangers enough without people playing with things, objects ( them selves, others, or any combination) whilst driving.
We all know when it is safe to do ‘tasks’ whilst driving, however some peeps with phones think the phone is the priority…… hence legalisation.

On the subject of distractions, scientific evidence etc, it was also noted that during hot sunny spells, (now rare I know), some drivers can become distracted by certain pedestrians in summer clothing, however statistics are hard to come by as people are reluctant to admit to the ‘distraction’

[john (smifffy)]

[Road Hog]

[Rifleman]

I'm an ex bus driver, and I lost count of how many accidents in Edinburgh's summers involving buses were caused by "honey" watching. And they were privately admitted, even in one case a small incident including me.

[zebadee]

I will speak to a transport lawyer I know, he know's the in's and outs of a bug's butt!! if he doesn't come up with the answer then i'm chucking my cb from my fronty and my lorry !! and there will be another bust up in the goverment when all the truck drivers throw there's on the hard shoulder outside westminster!! Anyway how will the boy's in blue police it they can't keep up with everything going on in the "normal" world as it is.

[Silver Ghost]

the law has changed, what was a fixed penalty, it has now changed to....if you cause another driver to swerve change direction, whilst using a mobile phone, adjusting a sat nav, and i would think that the 2 way radio would come into that, then you will be prosecuted for dangerous driving. which probably carries the sentence you metioned.

sean

[rangaKoo]

I love these answers..

ROFL.





ANYTHING that you do in a car which causes someone to swerve, change course, brake heavily, or which causes an accident will end up with you being reported for driving without due care & consideration or driving dangerously, or perhaps death by dangerous driving...

#1 tip, don't play with ANYTHING while driving, just DRIVE and when you get there you can play with all you like.