It's just not the answer to your scanning needs. Baofeng has just one model that’s FCC-approved for that use, the BTECH GMRS-V1. Still, they'll admit it's a bargain and a good stepping stone into the Amateur Radio Realm. Short answer: In the US (other countries may vary) it’s illegal for anyone to use a the Baofengs sold to Hams as walkie-talkies. All Baofeng radios can communicate on a narrow area as FCC required. Just do the setting up and locking out, so you enjoy Baofeng radio privacy. You can customize and lockout the features or menus that you do not want to have access to. If you ask a HAM if a Baofeng is acceptable to use as a Amateur radio operator you'll probably hear one of two responses:Įven if you find a HAM that'll give this radio a positive review, they're likely using the Baofeng as their backup's backup. Baofeng radios are certified and compliant with the FCC regulations. This requires you to take the UK amateur radio Foundation licence. You can legally listen to amateur radio on a Baofeng, but to transmit, you need a valid amateur radio licence from Ofcom. I know this particular model is not legal for use in Europe, unless one has a licence. Many amateurs use Baofeng, as they are cheap and powerful handhelds. The radio is a Baofeng UV-5R, a model with 8W and an extra battery. You can buy the radio, program it to listen to the various frequencies, but to transmit out, you. Can I use it for amateur radio Baofeng UV-5R Handheld. So yes, a roundabout way of saying these are illegal for non-HAMs. Yes you need a license to TRANSMIT anything from these radios. It is only illegal to operate these “illegal” devices outside of the amateur bands, or on the amateur bands if you do not have an amateur license. While it’s true many of the Baofengs are wide open on any frequency in the 136–174Mhz and 400–520Mhz range, and it is illegal to import, market, and sell these devices, it is not illegal to own or operate these devices if you are a licensed Amateur radio operator and you are operating only on amateur radio frequencies.

Are baofeng radios legal