Use of UHF CB while driving

rockylizard · Guru

Use of UHF CB while driving

Ozzie_Traveller · Senior Member

Thanks Rocky

an excellent follow-up to a previous Q

Well done, Phil

Mike Harding · Guru

About six months ago I was stopped by a police car which had been following me in heavy traffic in Melbourne when I was driving and using an Amateur radio (similar to a CB).

I pulled over and remained seated in the vehicle, hands visible on the wheel with window open, and the office came alongside and said; "Ah, I thought you were on the phone but now I see it's a two-way radio". I explained it was an Amateur radio, he asked for my driving licence, went back to his vehicle and, presumably, got a check on me. a few minutes later my licence was returned and all was good.

It would have been nice had they said sorry for stopping me incorrectly - a very easy mistake to make, I have no issue with it but keeping good public relations should be important for the police.

As always with police don't argue with them, if they want to give you a ticket, let them and take it to court. However because CB is ubiquitous amongst trucks I think most police are aware of the rules.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Yes I try not to hold mic too close to face when talking . About chest height . Seems to work better anyway .

Captain Ron · Veteran Member

A PTT (Press To Talk) switch, mounted on the steering wheel solves the hand held mic problem............

Eaglemax · Guru

I feel its just another distraction from my driving. I havent had a CB for 40 years.

Desert Dweller · Guru

We recently removed the UHF 18 & 40 sticker from the rear of our caravan.

Mike Harding · Guru

In the 4WD I have:
HF - 80m, 40, 20m, 15m and 10m (FT-857D)
2m
70cm
UHF CB
Two mobile phones
And a second HF radio (IC-7300)
PLB

Can't have too much comms :)

Plain Truth · Guru

Eaglemax wrote:
I feel its just another distraction from my driving. I havent had a CB for 40 years.

Eaglemax,it all depends on where you are towing.We tow over the Omeo Hwy.C543 log truck.jpg and every now and then you meet a log truck,believe me a U.H.F. makes it so much safer.

The Truckies call a every Km.post,telling you what direction they are traveling and what Km.post they are at.Gives you time to find straight section to meet them,or a spot to pull over.

You don't want to meet them on a tight bend.

-- Edited by Plain Truth on Tuesday 12th of June 2018 05:09:16 PM

Mobi Condo · Guru

Plain Truth - with you all the way here.

We feel that communication makes the trip so much safer for all concerned and use it with every rear approaching truck we encounter in order to obtain the best passing situations.

The road from Chillagoe south is similar with call points for the mining trucks.

denmonkey · Senior Member

Like mike, as an amateur I've got several radios in the car and use them regularly whilst traveling.
It sure makes a long solo trip more enjoyable being able to talk to others along the way.

Whilst I know it is not illegal to use whilst driving, I still tend to stop as I pass the fuzz on the road.
I don't expect an issue but sometimes its just easier to do so . one less thing and all.

Re the not having a cb in the car, theyre super handy if something goes wrong in an out of the way situation where a mobile may not work.
With so many trucks and other travellers with them in their car, I think it makes sense to have such a cheap security policy in place, even if you don't use it or want to talk on it all the time.