19.9 Citizens band (CB)

CB is the truckers' radio. It does not require an individual license; the equipment must be FCC-certified.

• 40 channels between 26.965 and 27.405 MHz.
• Channel 9 (27.065 MHz): reserved for emergencies and traveler assistance. On all channels, emergencies must be given priority.
• Channel 19: the channel commonly used on highways; useful for finding out traffic conditions during an evacuation.
• Increasing power or using amplifiers is prohibited. Each transmission can last up to 5 minutes, followed by a 1-minute pause.
• Advantage: useful on the highway and in the car. Disadvantages: large antennas, noise, irregular use of the channels, short range from handheld to handheld.