CB use in Canada

GLaidlaw wrote:
Nobody can tell if you are listening to a CB radio so if police tell you differently- something is very suspect. They also cannot confiscate it- only radar detecting devices. Transmitting on a CB in Ontario brings you into the realm of the distracted driving law here- applies to all handheld devices. Hams still have the right to transmit using their microphones due to an exemption by regulation. They have renewed this once already for a number of years. Smart hams carry a copy of this regulation in case they are stopped. In their zeal to hit texting etc. they also caught 2-way radios in the net. You can listen to CB and adjust it as long as it is mounted in the car- not a handheld version. Good luck.

Pretty much the same here in BC. You can use your Amateur or CB radio at any time when in motion so long as it is a mobile (read: mounted) radio, and the only thing in your hand is the microphone. Handhelds are technically a no-no, but I suspect if you clipped it to your shirt such that it is up around your neck, and the only time you touch it is to transmit (read: push the PTT) that would be OK.

When the original BC law was being drafted, Amateurs were not going to be exempted. The ensuing outcry was so strong the Govt had to exempt us. The outcry was that if Amateurs could not transmit while mobile (in motion) then all Amateurs would be encouraged to remove their radio equipment from their vehicles. And all Amateurs that provided emergency communications would withdraw their services. Hence why the Govt exempted us.

So yes, you can use your CB radio in Canada. Just be smart about it. If not being used for convoy purposes, I'm not sure how useful CB's are now. Heck, I have one in my truck, but it very rarely even gets turned on. And if I ever acquire a new truck, I doubt I will install it.

Regards,
Mike

Nobody can tell if you are listening to a CB radio so if police tell you differently- something is very suspect. They also cannot confiscate it- only radar detecting devices. Transmitting on a CB in Ontario brings you into the realm of the distracted driving law here- applies to all handheld devices. Hams still have the right to transmit using their microphones due to an exemption by regulation. They have renewed this once already for a number of years. Smart hams carry a copy of this regulation in case they are stopped. In their zeal to hit texting etc. they also caught 2-way radios in the net. You can listen to CB and adjust it as long as it is mounted in the car- not a handheld version. Good luck.

The ban is on RADAR DETECTORS in D.C. and Virginia. Even that ban is on shaky legal ground. CB and amateur radio regulation are the province of the Federal Communications Commission, and the FCC regulations trump any local or state regulation regarding transmitting equipment.

golf_bears wrote:
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The only other place in North America that CBs are not allowed is in Virginia and Washington DC.

They work well and are fun when you are traveling in a group.

I think you are thinking of radar detectors in VA and DC.
bumpy

You can't pick up radio signals without transmitting, the province of Ontario does not regulate radio usage it is enforced by Industry Canada a federal department. That ticket should have been taken to court and embarrassed the all knowing officer, would have been dismissed. OPP do not have frequency testing equipment to begin with not their jurisdiction. CB's in Canada have not been regulated for many years but are limited to 5 watts output.

Interesting, I was stopped because they picked up my CB signal and was not using the it, just had it turned on. Anyway, when I go through Ontario now I turn the CB off.

It's the distracted driving law - bans use of hand held devices, aimed at cell phone use, but hands-free use is permitted:

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/distracted-driving/index.shtml

This sounds confusing, "The law does not apply to", what "law" are they talking about? Perhaps they changed the law from two years ago?? Can anyone confirm this?

golf_bears wrote:
The province of Ontario does not allow CBs.

I found this on the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's own website:

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/distracted-driving/exemptions.shtml

"The law does not apply to: (snip) Pressing the button of a hand-held device to: (snip) transmit or receive voice communication on two-way, CB or mobile radios."

This exemption has been extended to Jan 1 2018

Not sure where in Canada you will be traveling. The province of Ontario does not allow CBs. Two years ago the fine was $145 plus the lost of the CB. I got stopped because they detected my CB was on, pulled me over, said give us the CB and you have a citation coming. My CB is built into the dash, informed the officer of that fact. He said I never heard of that so hold on I need to contact my Sargent. Came back said "Your lucky day" not going to have you rip the CB out and no citation but turn it off in Ontario.

The only other place in North America that CBs are not allowed is in Virginia and Washington DC.

They work well and are fun when you are traveling in a group.