It would seem fairly obvious, but here is the text from Enforcement Advisory No. 2021-05 dated 20 April 2021:
REMINDER: AMATEUR AND PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES LICENSEES AND
OPERATORS MAY NOT USE RADIO EQUIPMENT TO COMMIT OR FACILITATE
CRIMINAL ACTSThe Enforcement Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission issues this
Enforcement Advisory to again remind licensees in the Amateur Radio Service, as well as
licensees and operators in the Personal Radio Services, that the Commission prohibits the use of
radios in those services to commit or facilitate criminal acts. The Bureau recognizes that these
services can be used for a wide range of permitted and socially beneficial purposes, including
emergency communications and speech that is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S.
Constitution.
Amateur and Personal Radio Services, however, may not be used to commit
or facilitate crimes.As we did in our January 17 advisory earlier this year, the Bureau reminds amateur licensees that
they are prohibited from transmitting “communications intended to facilitate a criminal act” or
“messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning.” Likewise, individuals
operating radios in the Personal Radio Services, a category that includes Citizens Band radios,
Family Radio Service walkie-talkies, and General Mobile Radio Service, are prohibited from
using those radios “in connection with any activity which is against Federal, State or local law.”
Individuals using radios in the Amateur or Personal Radio Services in this manner may be
subject to severe penalties, including significant fines, seizure of the offending equipment, and,
in some cases, criminal prosecution.
Media inquiries should be directed to 202-418-0500 or MediaRelations@fcc.gov.
To file a complaint with the FCC, visit
https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov or call 1-888-CALLFCC.
To report a crime, contact your local law enforcement office or the FBI.
- Glenn W9IQ