FCC Part 97 quick reference
The amateur radio rules that matter for daily operating. Power limits, identification, band restrictions, and prohibited communications.
The FCC Part 97 rules that matter for daily amateur radio operating.
Identification
You must identify: At the beginning and end of each communication, and at least every 10 minutes during a communication. Use your callsign in English (or CW). Phonetics are recommended but not required by rule.
Tactical callsigns: You may use a tactical identifier (e.g., "Net Control," "Base Camp") but must still give your FCC callsign at the required intervals.
Third-party traffic: You may pass messages on behalf of non-licensed persons to stations in countries with which the US has a third-party traffic agreement. You are responsible for the content.
Power limits
General rule: Use the minimum power necessary to carry out the desired communication. There is no minimum; transmitting with 1 milliwatt is perfectly legal.
Maximum power: 1500 watts PEP output on most bands for all license classes. Exceptions:
| Situation | Limit |
|---|---|
| General maximum | 1500W PEP |
| 60m band | 100W ERP (effective radiated power) |
| 30m band | 200W PEP |
| Technician HF segments (80/40/15/10m CW) | 200W PEP |
| Novice segments (if applicable) | 200W PEP |
| Near FCC field offices (within 1 mile) | Special coordination may apply |
Prohibited communications
- Obscenity: No obscene or indecent language
- Music: No music transmission except incidental to authorized retransmission of manned spacecraft
- Broadcasting: No one-way transmissions intended for the general public (with specific exceptions for bulletins, code practice, etc.)
- Business communications: No communications for hire or in exchange for financial compensation. You may communicate about your own business incidentally but not conduct business over amateur radio.
- Encryption: No encryption or secret codes on amateur frequencies (except for satellite control and certain narrow exceptions). Transmissions must not be encoded to obscure their meaning.
- False signals: No false or deceptive signals. No transmitting without identification.
Band plans vs band restrictions
The FCC establishes mandatory band segments (where you can and cannot transmit based on license class and mode). Within those segments, voluntary band plans (maintained by ARRL and the amateur community) provide further guidance on where to operate specific modes. Band plans are conventions, not laws — but following them is expected and courteous.
Interference
- You must not intentionally interfere with other stations
- No amateur station has priority over another (except in emergencies)
- If you are interfering with another communication, you should change frequency
- Repeater owners may establish access policies but cannot claim exclusive use of a frequency
Emergencies
Any amateur station may use any frequency and any mode when necessary to provide essential communication in connection with the immediate safety of human life and protection of property. Normal rules about band privileges, power limits, and third-party traffic are suspended during genuine emergencies.
Record keeping
The FCC does not require a station log. However, logging is strongly recommended and required for certain activities (contest submissions, DXCC applications, interference complaints).
Equipment
No type acceptance is required for amateur transmitting equipment (unlike Part 95 GMRS/FRS). You may build, modify, and use any transmitting equipment on amateur frequencies. The operator, not the equipment, is licensed. You are responsible for the signal quality of your transmitter.