GMRS Rules: What You're Agreeing To

[@ernestbeckley]

"Fairly non-intuitive FCC website" is the understatement of 2024.

[@549BR]

A very polite way of saying that it's a bloody nightmare; a website that only a career and committed bureaucrat could construct. If you think dealing with the DMV is troublesome, multiply that times a thousand and you have the FCC.

[@DePalma.]

Omg…you’re so right😂. It must’ve taken me an hour to get my application uploaded.

[@gizmo8760]

You're not kidding. Who the hell was the web designer for that website? I had to go to a different webpage for instructions on how to actually get my GMRS license. If it wasn't for outside sources, I don't know if I would have figured out how to do it. That's how confusing and illogical the FCC website is.

[@MrMindlink]

@@gizmo8760 ...Completed this effort yesterday and could not agree more!

[@nevadabadger7925]

I got “locked out” mid registration.

[@DePalma.]

Great video, thank you! One of the important things that I learned is that GMRS can be used for business purposes… I did not know that, I thought it was only for personal use .

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@CrucesNomad1]

Learned a few things about GRMSD, thanks.

[@phantomscaler]

actually a flat tire can be a emergency, even though its wasn't a flat tire for my friend and myself much worse, but in some cases cell phones might not have reception, for instance back in 2012 , i went with a friend to deliver a horse he sold to someone in pahrump NV. while driving to Pahrump from the hesperia california in the summer on hwy 128 between California and Nevada, my friends dodge broke down, the transmission went south on his truck.leaving us stranded and not a lot of traffic to flag anyone down out there, there is zero cell reception out there, as its nothing but desert and sand dunes. I had brought along my 2 meter / 440 walkie talkie , he always made fun of me saying that radio was my wife cause i carried it everywhere with me, I made a call to a repeater got someone on the line in pahrump told them what was up with the truck and needed assistance due to having live horse with us. they called a tow company in pahrump to come tow his pick up and trailer . to this day i'm glad i had that thing with me and he never made fun of me carrying my ham radio with me after that

[@wyominglife3202]

Great video. Does anyone know if there is a GMRS channel that is designated (or agreed on) to be monitored by people in the outdoors... hunting, fishing, hiking, etc?

[@bafagu2]

6:59 What is "obscene, profane or indecent words language or meaning" to one person isn't to another. So who are they to decide??

[@GadgetTalk4U]

That's the same issue with emergency communications. If you color close to the line, the bureaucracy will decide. Not a place I want to be. Cheers.

[@549BR]

They have badges, so they get to decide.

[@ethansmith9065]

Sounds to me like if you transmit and I don't like what you're saying, I can cry to them, and they'll send you a letter.

[@RC-rf2mz]

I would Imagine the scale here would be the same scale that's used in normal day to day, as long as it's not "Fighting" words or word to incite criminal activity. I would say that under the 1st amendment all's fair

[@marcot3333]

If you're chit chatting and a motherfucker or two slips out, no feds are breaking your door down. Nor are you ever going to prison. The FCC issues civil penalties only. Don't believe everything you might hear on the air. Now, if you're using a repeater and the control ops ask you to knock it off, you should be respectful of their wishes. Again don't let SadGMRS'ers try to fool you.

[@turdferguson2863]

An excellent video, thank you for all you're doing!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Good information. Thank you.

[@slshock]

Excellent video/presentation. Good Stuff here!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Glad it was helpful!

[@W4TRI_Ronny]

Good overview!

[@RafaelBarcelo]

Learned a lot in this video. 9:10 I’m still confused by the rule on business activities. Like Amateur Radio it is prohibited to do business transmissions, this also applies to GMRS ? For example: The use of GMRS for a Taxi Company communicate with their drivers?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

As I showed in the overlays from the Regs, Business activities are not prohibited. In Amateur radio - yes. In GMRS no. Each operator would need to be licensed though, either as a family member or their own license.

[@oldgringo66]

It was my understanding that you could conduct business over GMRS such as routine operations. But not things like taking orders or scheduling deliveries with non GMRS users.

[@enricofermi67]

This video is a professional quality training production.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@lightwaveworks]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make the very informative training video. I just applied for my GMRS radio license and ordered a GMRS radio. I like, first and foremost, to know the rules so I do not intervertly break any as a result of ignorance. I feel so much comfortable when I know exactly what the rules are regardless if I'm likely to be caught breaking them or not, as "I didn't know" really isn't an excuse. If someone feels comfortable breaking rules, that's their choice. You made it easier to meet the responsibility of making informed choices about on air behavior. It also just helps to know what appropriate acceptable behavior is during transmissions.

[@spy8464BB]

A good number of new radios have gps data that is transmitted using a removable antenna. How are these radios getting FCC approval status?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I have no idea. Perhaps a very narrow definition of data?

[@podunkpennsylvania292]

Very good/informative video. It answered a BUNCH of my questions. Now where did I put that Abbree....LOL

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers.

[@3dtexan890]

Thanks and I finally received your book.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Hope you like it! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Seneca_Williams]

Thank you for this. It was very helpful.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

You're very welcome! Cheers.

[@shannonjensen3855]

Thanks so much! I REALLY don't like how they laid out the Title 47 eBook because it can't just be printed like a PDF - you have to go in and print every page individually. There is no printable version with everything. So thankful you'd do this presentation!!! I do want to follow the rules and can share your video with the rest of my family and friends! Gracias!!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to make your kind comments. Cheers.

[@shannonjensen3855]

@@GadgetTalk4U happy to do it!… And I subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to watching anything else you’ve got 😊

[@rustynail6819]

For every one licensed user there are 100 non licensed. Being licensed is a requirement of the FCC but it's enforcement is just about non existent. Just be polite and respectful of other users and you will not have any issues.

[@rickmontanez6053]

Excellent video. I am a total n00b to mobile radios but a veteran at reading government regs. Your “translation” was easy to understand and follow. I’ll be reviewing your whole series on the subject! I do have a question in an area you briefly touched and reading the reg did NOT translate in my brain. As I understand it FRS and GMRS share some of the same channels. Am I to understand that a GMRS radio CAN be used as an FRS unit (but not the other way around? If so, how do you/the FCC/another user tell if you are using your GMRS unit as an FRS radio vs GMRS (and therefore having no requirement to use your call sign, etc.? Of course, if my initial premise is wrong, then the question is moot. Thanks.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

FRS and GMRS use the same channels (frequencies). The difference is in the radio's. FRS uses a narrow bandwidth and lower authorized power output. If you have a GMRS license and GMRS radio, interacting with FRS radios is fine. Using a radio not certified as FRS would violate the rules. It would be unlikely anyone but you would know if you were unlicensed using a GMRS radio, so long as you didn't try repeater operation which is not available in FRS. Licenses are cheap. Get one and enjoy your radios. Cheers and thanks for watching.

[@ewinbarnett9411]

I wonder how many people who could not believe how dysfunctional the FCC web-based GMRS license application process was but then went on later demand that government should be given more control over other areas.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I wonder, too. Related to that - I wonder how many people who say they won't abide by the rules because the government is too intrusive fail to realize that the bureacracy's reponse to rule breaking is even more rules.

[@Adamdaj]

I'm guilty using non-typed accepted radio, but I do my best to comply with the rest of the rules and regulations.

[@RKingis]

95.335a

[@stewmiller778]

So, I guess I don't use my HT on low power for GMRS...

[@rpestess]

I am confused about something. HRO will mars mod your radio for a fee so how is that legal?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

MARS mods are for ham radios for operators who are affiliated with the MARS system. Not many services still use MARS so it is a bit obsolete. Hams have the responsibility to operate in authorized bands. GMRS operators aren't given that responsibility so thus no test, etc. Their authorized frequencies are managed by the radio iteself. A MARS modded ham radio is not authorized for GMRS use. Using it would make the user an unauthorized user regardless if they had a GMRS license or not.

[@sgtcrusher66]

the amazon link doesent work

[@GadgetTalk4U]

@@sgtcrusher66 Hmmm. They did for me. Cheers

[@airshotsphotoco]

Also rules and regulations are updated and modified monthly so you should download and print and read the rules and regulations monthly.

[@jjnxyz4368]

Get a Garmin inreach if you think you'll have an emergency out of cell service... Also switch your phone to roaming if you have an emergency on a trip.... Youll pay extra but you may get reception.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Yep.

[@harleymandk]

as a non US - can I get a GMRS-license ?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

As I understand the rules, yes, unless you are an agent of a foreign government. If you represent another country such as working in an embassy, then no. Not legal advice, just my reading of the rules.

[@DarryDoo2]

​@@GadgetTalk4Uas a Canadian truck driver with a GMRS license, I concur.

[@danielcotts8673]

@@DarryDoo2 Are there any steps in the application process that might be different for a Canadian? Can they use their Canadian address? Thanks in advance.

[@DarryDoo2]

​@@danielcotts8673I used the standard form, and Canadian address. I don't recall any difficulties. (other than the minefield of a process as others have mentioned; nothing Canadian-specific)

[@DarryDoo2]

​@@danielcotts8673actually... I just checked my license, and I used a USA address. Apologies for any confusion.

[@thedayofevil]

Excellent

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@badatpseudoscience]

O shoot!!!! I just looked and I read it the same way he does. It looks like radios that transmit data can't have a detachable antenna. The Btech GMRS Pro can signal position and short messages and has a detachable antenna. This is a really popular radio. I hope thy don't turn out to be illegal.

[@appala]

GMRS Pro is supposed to be a fixed antenna but baofeng knows all well the antenna is shit and they simply used a glue to hold it. Technically, it failed the rule.

[@badatpseudoscience]

@@appala Interesting. I have two form different venders and they both have removable antennas.

[@appala]

@@badatpseudoscience I have one I got directly from them and it is glued in. I saw few videos that say the glue is easy to come out but I don’t want to take a chance with that and damage the radio.

[@badatpseudoscience]

@@appala When did the rule come out? I have had mine for a while.

[@badatpseudoscience]

It looks like the last amendment was Sept. 28, 2021. I git my radios after that.

[@seanedwards569]

I think the idea of non-removable antennas for digital modes has to do with power output. The logic, however flawed, is to prevent a permanent digital repeater taking using 50W to take up the entire bandwidth of a channel with something like Packet or APRS messages. I think bringing things like Packet, APRS, Audio Morse Code (not CW) and Winlink/RMS would be great enhancements to GMRS, especially for those who cannot hear or speak.

[@michaeldenny3821]

They are only talking about registered radios with a address to mail complaints to.

[@rkmklz7562]

I used to be on 27mhz 11m CB in the 1970s and 1980s... without a license....but respect the rules....I had no problem.....GMRS is UHF CB 460 to 470mhz in my area of the world....A license should not be used....in the 1990s i was going to get my 2m Ham License. Before I moved... when I moved i did not because there are not 2m Ham activity.....I ended up not getting into Ham ... I still enjoy Radio and TV DXing 😊

[@PalmettoNDN]

I'm getting into this hobby but as a libertarian I'm quickly becoming infuriated with it. As a Native American I'm also left baffled that not only did they take our land but they didn't even leave us the air to have freely.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Many feel the same way. Not regulating and assigning frequencies for all the things that use RF would be chaos. Imagine if you had constantly fight with cell phone users or garage door openers? At least we have some power through our votes to fend off the big money power users.

[@nicholasfink6170]

It is no different than the old days Christians forcing their religious beliefs on people.

[@t.bowman2110]

Hardly anyone on up on the DINE rez

[@Jagdpanzer_38_t]

WE didn't take shit from you and gave you EVERYTHING. Roaming nomadic people with bows and tents... and ENDLESS WAR, Torture and Slavery with all the other tribes. "Noble peaceful people of the land" Pffft NO. You get tax free Ethnostates, protected by the worlds most powerful standing military, manned by the most generous Race. Why not show a little thanks, instead of Endlessly crying about being taken out of the freaking stone-age FFS. You have no idea how sick of this WE are getting... Now. Leave your tears at the door, this is a Radio Channel.

[@laser31415]

As with many laws, "don't' be a jerk" and you will rarely have a problem.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

@@laser31415 Yes.

[@scott02127]

Thank you for sharing

[@appala]

What do you mean by programmed the radio? Are you talking about UHF/ VHF? Do you know that when there is a nuclear apocalypse, none of the repeaters work.

[@stansmith4054]

​@@appalaIt depends on what region on the planet it happens to occur. Many repeaters in my area are battery back up that can last 3-5 days without energy from the grid.

[@stansmith4054]

​@@appalaI think you are one of the sad hams he was talking about.

[@stansmith4054]

Roger that!!

[@appala]

@@stansmith4054 haha. Wow. You derived all that from my question? How amazingly talented you are in identifying people. Congratulations.

[@gadsdenconsulting7126]

I do this little thing called whatever the heck I want. No need for licensing to talk ham or GMRS. 😮😊 Good vid tho! 👍👍

[@549BR]

A lot of bootleggers exist on both the ham and personal radio frequencies because of the red tape involved in licensing, and if someone behaves themselves otherwise, they'll never get the dreaded letter.

[@gadsdenconsulting7126]

@@549BR Agreed. I'm not getting any letters from them, though. 👍👍

[@N2YTA]

I doubt you know what people think when they read a comment like yours.

[@gadsdenconsulting7126]

@@N2YTA You must think I care what people think when they read comments like mine. Thanks for your input, though.

[@N2YTA]

@@gadsdenconsulting7126 whatever

[@paulcarcamo6992]

Excel Viri I Like It Fresh my memory 😊

[@Officialgamemasterreal9180]

Tidradio TD- 3 GMRS

[@tacocat6035]

Here is a list of the things I'm agreeing to:

[@549BR]

I agree with you; no one is good enough to be my censor.

[@daveengstrom9250]

Typical government fining some guy who actually helped out during a fire.

[@Partimepeasant]

Thanks Sheriff.

[@Kq4hcuDan]

Im not a GMRS operator im amateur radio operator with a interest getting a GMRS license for my family. I find it comical GMRS users get caught using repeaters, yet whine about it and they agreed and signed the set of rules. Yet many dont pay attention to, the rules.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Dan, using repeaters GMRS Repeaters is not an issue. They're allowed. The current bruhaha is about linking them for broader coverage. I'm with you regarding those who ignore the rules. They don't seem to realize that for many rule makers, the solution is still more rules. Not good. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Kq4hcuDan]

@@GadgetTalk4U I just think some GMRS operators do push the goal post further trying to do similar things amateur radio users. I even heard someone got caught using ft8 and a js8 call on GMRS frequency, but I really don't know I'm just a lowly technician. To me if they are they will get caught slipping and, I'll laugh but the other part of me knows it is rough for folks like me who can pass for down syndrome at times and, i failed the technician exam multiple times till I pass and it doesn't help either with sad hams exacerbating the growing in the radio community but that's something else. Your right but even the radio community as a whole has good and foul apples. Thank you again 73, kq4hcu

[@radiohobbyist13]

If you apply for the license, you have automatically agreed to allow heavily armed FCC agents to kick in your door at 3am and take all of your "licensed" radios. This is why you should only have license free CB or MURS. These two services truly are the "Wild West " of two-way radio services.

[@tornadoaftermath]

What you described sounds like the ATF cosplaying as the FCC and using your "licensed" radios as probable cause for something else. 😂 The FCC has issued almost no citations for improper or misuse of radios or their associated frequencies in over 10 years. The few citations they have issued are rarely enforced and come in the form of a mailed letter, not agents knocking on (or kicking down) doors.

[@mikel9567]

Yup your right. You better stay far, far away from all radios. In fact you should probably avoid using the internet altogether.

[@JamesDean-84]

Rules are meant to be broken...

[@terryparker1694]

Breaker of rules are meant to be punished.

[@airplanegeorge]

maybe you could tell us what gmrs means.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Did you watch the video? It's in the definitions right at the beginning of the video.

[@RKingis]

General Mobile Radio Service

[@floid33556]

Blah. Who really cares much what the regulations say? Government bureaucrats.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

To answer your question, people who understand that what the government gives, it can take away. Why go out of your way to anger them?

[@floid33556]

@@GadgetTalk4U Did you really read all the GMRS rules when you applied for your license? Do you read all the fine details for every paper you sign? I sure don't. Nor did I read every detail of the FCC rules for amateur radio. Pretty boring, if you ask me. I know the high-points. As long as folks use common sense, then I think they'll be ok. I think most of the HAM community wished they would have been a lawyer; they won't stop talking about the rules in every single video. Very off-putting to normal people.

[@JaHomey-ub9dd]

That F'ing Kamalamadingdong campaign solicitation ad ruins it.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

KZbin places ads, not me. They and Google seem to think you'd be interested in the ad. If you click on political videos or go to political web sites, they mark you as being politically active and will serve you political ads. I have nothing to do with it. Expect to see more of those ads on the other channels you visit. Again, its KZbin and your viewing habits not the content creators that results in those ads. Cheers.