Can you use channels 1-7 without a GMR licence?
505720
No you need a license. This is a sore spot with me. I think the cost of a license should have been on the advertisement for these radios.
1974708
No, but you can't use it until you are properly licensed. Trying to transmit without a license gets you into serious trouble. You will stick out like a sore thumb and you will be caught.
1226102
Legally this radio CANNOT be used on any FRS, MURS or GMRS frequency. So yes it can be programmed but it is not legal to transmit out on those frequencies. For licensed GMRS use, you will need the UV-82C (the C notes the legally allowed Commercial use).
1143790
It is 22 real radio channels and the extra channels are "virtual" channels. They use sub audible tones to prevent you from hearing other users except ones using the same tone or as simplified here another channel number. However these are FM radios and are subject to the capture effect and you will not be able to transmit or listen if someone is using the same real channel. So in short they have 22 real radio channels and are limited to the same functionality as any other 22 channel FRS/GMRS hybrid radio.
1235655
Yes you can:) just make sure you change the channels on them and you should be good to go
1177300
If you're looking for a radio you can use without a license, then no, it is not a good radio for that purpose. This radio is not Part 90 (commercial land mobile) or Part 95 (FRS/GMRS, etc.) certified. If you use it as received from the factory, you'll be transmitting on commercial and public safety channels, so could get in a lot of trouble very quickly (with fines exceeding $10,000). If reprogrammed for ham radio 70cm band and you're licensed, then yes, it can be used legally. If reprogrammed for FRS, then you'll be illegal due to power levels and the removable antenna. If reprogrammed for GMRS AND you have a license, then you'll be on shaky ground, but the chance of getting caught is small. If you're looking for a good "family" radio and don't want to get a license, then stay with FRS radios and stay off the GMRS channels (Channels 15-22 on Motorola radios). The short answer is that is that it is NOT a good solution for a low cost, LEGAL, easy to use radio for unlicensed family use. There are no frequencies you can program this radio to for use without a license and remain legal.
2150993
It is capable of operating on the same frequencies but GMRS requires a licence in the US. There may also be restrictions about using non-type approved equipment meaning this radio must be approved by the FCC for use on GMRS or FRS frequencies and I don't believe this one is approved.
808759
The radio does work on GMRS and FRS frequencies. However, It is illegal to use the radio on those frequencies.
671631
Just choose a channel that local radio doesn't use. They are all the same quality.
78348
No, you don't need a subscription for this unit. Don't know about guide channel. However, this unit is terrible. Never could make it work. Gave up. Don't buy it.
345126
No, if you use the FRS or GMRS band channels. Check google for the corresponding channels to frequencies, just google frs or gmrs channel frequency list.
940577
GMRS is regulated by the FCC, and needs a 5 year license. FRS does not. http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs
1526058
Yes, for GMRS frequencies, not FRS. The license can be obtained online from the FCC and does no require testing, as in amatuer radio. There is some discussion of dropping the GMRS licensing requirement, but the FCC has not made a decision and moves incredibly slow. Some people ignore the licensing and operate on GMRS frequencies illegally. While there is limited FCC enforcement, it remains a gentlemens' game and on the honor system, but don't be surprised if someone monitoring GMRS calls you out for not being licensed. Many of these radio folks have the technical capability, the time, and willingness to track your illegal transmissions and report you to the FCC That's how the radio world works. Yes, for GMRS frequencies, not FRS. The license can be obtained online from the FCC and does no require testing, as in amatuer radio. There is some discussion of dropping the GMRS licensing requirement, but the FCC has not made a decision and moves incredibly slow. Some people ignore the licensing and operate on GMRS frequencies illegally. While there is limited FCC enforcement, it remains a gentlemens' game and on the honor system, but don't be surprised if someone monitoring GMRS calls you out for not being licensed. Many of these radio folks have the technical capability, the time, and... » Read More Yes, for GMRS frequencies, not FRS. The license can be obtained online from the FCC and does no require testing, as in amatuer radio. There is some discussion of dropping the GMRS licensing requirement, but the FCC has not made a decision and moves incredibly slow. Some people ignore the licensing and operate on GMRS frequencies illegally. While there is limited FCC enforcement, it remains a gentlemens' game and on the honor system, but don't be surprised if someone monitoring GMRS calls you out for not being licensed. Many of these radio folks have the technical capability, the time, and willingness to track your illegal transmissions and report you to the FCC That's how the radio world works. « Show Less
699324
Yes you need a license. You'd be least likely to get in trouble if you program them for the FRS frequencies. If you use them on the amateur radio or public safety frequencies, you're almost guaranteed to get in trouble.
1226099
Yes, to both services. FRS frequencies are limited to 0.5 watts, but GMRS frequencies have 50 watts limitation but requires a license from FCC which costs about $80. Many users of GMRS ignore the licensing requirements and keep the power level to 5 watts or less. Also the Baofeng UV 5R will operate on MURS (Multiply Use Radio Frequencies) in the 150 mhz band with 5 channels. Power limit is 2 watts and require no license. Hope this helps. 73's J. Wong, K6JE
1913946
Yes. Also, this radio has the capability to transmit on MURS and GMRS. That is not legal. Many tout these radios for that capability, but it is against the law.
2250062
If I understand it right the frs channels (8-14???) are limited to 500 miliwatts which of course limits distance. The GMRS channels operating at up to 5 watts require a FCC license. I have gotten up to 16 miles across a valley with direct line of sight, but that's the exception! Normally 1.5 - 2 miles.