40
shared CB channels
The FCC assigns 40 channels to the CB Radio Service. They are shared channels, so operators within range can use the same channel.
FCC channel-frequency table ↗Current federal rule, accessed September 4, 2026Reference
CB Radio Statistics & Facts: 2026
Current, citable figures on CB channels, frequencies, power limits, range context and licensing. Last updated September 4, 2026.
At A Glance
The figures behind a CB radio setup.
These facts are drawn from FCC rules and FCC publications. Each entry links directly to its source so you can check the original record.
26.965–27.405 MHz
channel center-frequency range
Channel 1 is centered at 26.965 MHz and channel 40 at 27.405 MHz, a 440 kHz span across the CB allocation.
FCC channel-frequency table ↗Current federal rule, accessed September 4, 20264 watts
maximum AM or FM carrier power
For AM and FM voice signals, a CB transmitter must not exceed 4 watts of mean carrier power.
FCC CB transmitter-power rule ↗Current federal rule, accessed September 4, 202612 watts PEP
maximum SSB power
For single-sideband voice signals, the FCC limit is 12 watts peak envelope power.
FCC CB transmitter-power rule ↗Current federal rule, accessed September 4, 202650 ppm
required frequency accuracy
CB transmitters must keep their carrier or reference frequency within 50 parts per million of the assigned channel center frequency under normal operating conditions.
FCC CB frequency-accuracy rule ↗Current federal rule, accessed September 4, 20265–15 miles
typical direct-wave range
In its 2017 CB Radio Service order, the FCC described typical direct-wave communication as five to 15 miles. Terrain, antenna height, installation quality and conditions can change the result.
FCC Report and Order ↗May 19, 20170
individual licenses required
The FCC does not require an individual license to operate a CB station. Operators still need to follow the service rules.
FCC authorization-by-rule provision ↗Current federal rule, accessed September 4, 20260
external RF amplifiers allowed
CB operators must not attach an external RF power amplifier to a CB station or use one with a CB transmitter.
FCC CB external-amplifier rule ↗Current federal rule, accessed September 4, 202660 feet
maximum antenna height above ground
A CB antenna structure generally must not be more than 60 feet above the ground or higher than 20 feet above the highest point of the building or tree it is mounted on, whichever is higher.
FCC CB antenna-height rule ↗Current federal rule, accessed September 4, 2026Sources & Method
Built to be checked and cited.
This page uses primary FCC material. Regulatory figures are linked to the current rule text, while range context is linked to the FCC publication that describes it. The page is reviewed on a regular schedule so the anchors above remain stable for readers who reference a specific fact.
- FCC, 47 CFR § 95.963, CBRS channel frequencies ↗Current federal rule, accessed September 4, 2026
- FCC, 47 CFR § 95.965, CBRS transmit frequency accuracy ↗Current federal rule, accessed September 4, 2026
- FCC, 47 CFR § 95.967, CBRS transmitter power limits ↗Current federal rule, accessed September 4, 2026
- FCC, 47 CFR § 95.305, authorization by rule ↗Current federal rule, accessed September 4, 2026
- FCC, 47 CFR § 95.939, CBRS external RF power amplifiers ↗Current federal rule, accessed September 4, 2026
- FCC, 47 CFR § 95.941, CBRS antenna-height limits ↗Current federal rule, accessed September 4, 2026
- FCC Report and Order 17-57 ↗May 19, 2017
Cite This Page
Custom CB Radios. “CB Radio Statistics & Facts: 2026.” Updated September 4, 2026. customcbradios.com/cb-radio-statistics.