Is CB Radio Legal in Oregon? (2026)

Key facts

Status

Legal

Permit required

No

Jurisdiction

Oregon

Last reviewed

2026-02-15

CB Radio laws in Oregon

The operation of Citizens Band (CB) radios in Oregon is governed by federal regulations rather than specific state statutes. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has exclusive jurisdiction over radio communications in the United States, including CB radio use. Therefore, Oregon residents and travelers within the state must adhere to FCC Part 95 rules. These rules stipulate that CB radios are legal to own and operate without a license. The maximum power output permitted for CB radio operation is 4 watts for Amplitude Modulation (AM) and 12 watts for Single Sideband (SSB) transmissions. Violations of FCC regulations pertaining to CB radio use are enforced by the FCC itself, and penalties can be significant. While Oregon does not have its own state-level criminal statutes for CB radio misuse, the FCC can impose fines, revoke permits (though none are required for CB radio use), and take other enforcement actions. The FCC's enforcement actions are typically levied against individuals or entities found to be operating outside the established rules, such as exceeding power limitations, operating on unauthorized frequencies, or causing harmful interference. These actions are administrative rather than criminal, unless the misuse involves activities that violate other federal laws. There are no specific state-level exceptions or exemptions for CB radio use within Oregon. The federal FCC regulations apply universally across the state. For travelers, this means that whether driving through Oregon or operating a CB radio within state borders, adherence to the FCC's technical and operational rules is mandatory. Residents should be aware that any modifications to CB radio equipment to exceed the legal power output or operate outside the designated CB bands is a violation of federal law and subject to FCC penalties. The primary practical consideration for all users in Oregon is to ensure their equipment complies with FCC Part 95 rules regarding power output and that operation is conducted in a manner that does not cause interference to other licensed services.

Frequently asked questions

Is cb radio legal in Oregon for travelers?

For travelers visiting Oregon, cb radio is currently legal. The operation of Citizens Band (CB) radios in Oregon is governed by federal regulations rather than specific state statutes. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has exclusive jurisdiction over radio communications in the United States, including CB radio use. Therefore, Oregon residents and travelers within the state must adhere to FCC Part 95 rules. These rules stipulate that CB radios are legal to own and operate without a license. The maximum power output permitted for CB radio operation is 4 watts for Amplitude Modulation (AM) and 12 watts for Single Sideband (SSB) transmissions. Violations of FCC regulations pertaining to CB radio use are enforced by the FCC itself, and penalties can be significant. While Oregon does not have its own state-level criminal statutes for CB radio misuse, the FCC can impose fines, revoke permits (though none are required for CB radio use), and take other enforcement actions. The FCC's enforcement actions are typically levied against individuals or entities found to be operating outside the established rules, such as exceeding power limitations, operating on unauthorized frequencies, or causing harmful interference. These actions are administrative rather than criminal, unless the misuse involves activities that violate other federal laws. There are no specific state-level exceptions or exemptions for CB radio use within Oregon. The federal FCC regulations apply universally across the state. For travelers, this means that whether driving through Oregon or operating a CB radio within state borders, adherence to the FCC's technical and operational rules is mandatory. Residents should be aware that any modifications to CB radio equipment to exceed the legal power output or operate outside the designated CB bands is a violation of federal law and subject to FCC penalties. The primary practical consideration for all users in Oregon is to ensure their equipment complies with FCC Part 95 rules regarding power output and that operation is conducted in a manner that does not cause interference to other licensed services.

Do I need a permit for cb radio in Oregon?

Oregon does not specifically require a permit for cb radio, though general regulations apply.

Can I transport cb radio through Oregon?

Transport laws for cb radio in Oregon depend on the specific item and your route. Generally, transport is allowed if you comply with state regulations. Always check states you pass through.

What are the penalties for cb radio violations in Oregon?

Penalties for cb radio violations in Oregon vary based on the specific offense. Always verify current laws before traveling.