PMR446: Limits and rules on the use of walkie-talkies
Walkie-talkies are indispensable tools for those who need to maintain communication while working or engaging in outdoor activities. But the question often arises: can anyone use these radios, or are licenses required? Are there any fees, and what makes a product compliant with regulations?
In recent years, the regulations governing walkie-talkies have been streamlined. However, to avoid penalties, it's important to know the limits and rules for using these devices, starting with PMR446 regulations.
But what is PMR446? Short for Private Mobile Radio, it’s a two-way radio communication service using the 446 MHz frequency.
Most Midland walkie-talkies have PMR446 channels, which are free to use in Italy, along with LPD channels.
So, walkie-talkies with PMR446 channels can be used without a license, meaning that, unlike amateur radios, no license or authorization is required. Simple, right?
However, not all walkie-talkies are allowed: the regulations are precise, and it’s crucial to follow them to avoid penalties. In this article, we’ll explore:
Which devices are legal in Europe
What frequencies to use and how to use them correctly
How to check if a device complies with regulations
How to avoid radio interference
How to communicate in emergencies
The optimal usage cycle of a walkie-talkie
License-Free walkie-talkies: which are legal in europe?
Not all walkie-talkies can be used in Europe, only those that use PMR446 channels with a maximum power of 500 mW, integrated antenna, and LPD 433 MHz channels, with a maximum power of 10 mW. PMR446 devices are freely usable in Italy and across the European Union. So, if you’re planning a trip abroad in a European country and want to bring your Midland walkie-talkies, rest assured you can.
Midland walkie-talkies are fully compliant with the latest regulations, ensuring complete peace of mind. However, not all radios on the market offer the same level of safety, so it’s important to verify their compliance with current laws.
Can i use my radio in a non-EU country?
In this case, let’s clarify: PMR446 radios can be used in Europe, as well as in non-EU countries that adopt EU regulations, such as Switzerland, Norway, the UK, and Turkey.
They cannot be used in the United States and Canada, where the free radios are FRS and GMRS, which operate on the 462 and 467 MHz frequencies. FRS and GMRS radios cannot be sold in Europe and cannot communicate with PMR446 radios. That’s why there are no hybrid walkie-talkies for use in both Europe and non-EU countries.
What about other countries? Each country has its own regulations, which cannot be bypassed. It’s necessary to check the governmental websites of the non-EU country you're visiting to know the applicable laws and avoid penalties.
PMR446 Free radio frequencies: what they are and how to use them correctly
We mentioned that walkie-talkies use the free 446 MHz radio frequency. Specifically, they range from 446.00625 to 446.19375 MHz, with 16 channels, each separated by 12.5 kHz.
PMR446 walkie-talkies, if compliant, are sold with a power limit of 500 mW and the ability to use only the 446 MHz frequencies through the selection of various channels (the number of channels varies depending on the model).
To communicate with other radios, all devices must be tuned to the same channel. With a Midland walkie-talkie, you simply turn it on, activate the Monitor function to check if the frequency is free, ensure other devices are on the same channel, and press the PTT button to start communication.
Radio communication rules stipulate that only one user speaks at a time, so it's good practice not to transmit if someone else is talking. Also, it’s always a good habit to keep communications short and concise.
The €12 fee has been abolished
Following the approval of Law No. 120 on September 11, 2020, it’s no longer necessary to submit a declaration of activity to the Ministry or pay the annual €12 fee for using free radio frequencies.
So, after purchasing your PMR446 Midland, it's ready for use without worries and without bureaucratic obligations.
How to determine if a device complies with the regulations
Compliance is essential for the legal and correct use of a PMR446 radio in Italy and Europe. But what parameters should you monitor to avoid buying a non-compliant product?
Here are the main ones:
It must have a power output below 500 mW;
It must use only the frequencies from 446.00 to 446.200;
It must have a Declaration of Conformity;
The packaging and device must display the CE mark, along with the manufacturer’s name and address or the authorized representative based in Europe;
It must come with a paper manual in Italian.
If a walkie-talkie lacks any of these characteristics, it’s non-compliant and cannot be used in Italy. If its power is tampered with or the antenna is changed, the Conformity automatically becomes void.
CE Mark: what it means and why it’s important
The CE mark is mandatory because it certifies, through the Declaration of Conformity, that the radio meets the requirements for electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and efficient radio spectrum management as outlined by regulations. It is the manufacturer’s or importer’s responsibility to ensure that only compliant products are placed on the market. All Midland products comply with current regulations!
If the manual isn’t in italian, the product is not compliant!
Another important aspect is the presence of the manual in Italian: if it’s not available inside the box in the local language, the product violates the applicable regulations, making its sale and use illegal. On our website, you can freely consult manuals for each walkie-talkie model!
What is SAR?
SAR stands for Specific Absorption Rate and identifies the amount of Electromagnetic Energy absorbed by human tissues.
Transmitting equipment that comes into contact with the human body, such as walkie-talkies and smartphones, must undergo SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) tests to assess people’s exposure to electromagnetic fields. Excessive exposure to electromagnetic fields can potentially have negative effects on human health, such as tissue heating. The European Union's directives set a maximum limit for the absorption of electromagnetic energy by human tissues. The allowed value is 2 W/kg (watts per kilogram) for a sample of 10 grams of tissue. This means that during SAR testing, the amount of energy absorbed must not exceed this limit to ensure that the equipment, such as a walkie-talkie or smartphone, doesn’t harm users’ health.
In essence, these regulations aim to ensure that only devices meeting these safety standards can be sold and used, protecting public health.
Radio interference: how to avoid it?
PMR446 radios are designed to operate on specific frequencies and must comply with regulations that prevent them from causing interference to existing communication services. The Electronic Communications Code and related regulations establish usage conditions for devices like PMR446 radios to ensure they do not disturb other communication systems. This is crucial to maintain the quality and reliability of communication services for all users.
To improve communication quality and reduce the impact of traffic caused by other conversations on PMR446 channels, you can use CTCSS or DCS sub-tones, both compatible with PMR446 radios. Using these sub-tones prevents you from hearing other conversations while in communication, but it’s not a protected communication: anyone can still listen to your conversations on free frequencies. The difference between the two is that CTCSS is an analog sub-tone system, while DCS is digital.
How to manage communications in emergency situations
Walkie-talkies are particularly useful in emergencies, both in work environments and for outdoor activities.
Imagine you’re in the mountains and suddenly caught in a storm that disorients you, or you get injured: having a radio allows you to call for help in real-time. Compared to a mobile phone, radios offer significant advantages because they operate on dedicated radio frequencies and do not depend on mobile network coverage. This means that even in remote areas or situations where mobile signal is weak or absent, you can still communicate with other users nearby.
Moreover, radios are designed to withstand adverse weather conditions, making them more reliable in harsh environments like the mountains. In addition, using a radio is immediate: you simply turn it on and press a button to communicate without worrying about finding a signal or dialing a number. Finally, radios allow group communication, enabling multiple people to stay connected on the same channel simultaneously, which is particularly useful during hikes or group activities. In emergencies, having a radio on hand can make a difference in receiving help quickly.
If you're in contact with your team, just press the PTT button to start communication, and with the VOX function, you can talk (even without pressing the PTT) to transmit a call for help to your teammates. If you’re in remote mountain areas, you can use the Rete Radio Montana channel. This is an Italian-only service operating on the 446.09375 MHz frequency, corresponding to channel 8 with CTCSS 16, hence it’s called "channel 8-16". This channel is dedicated to exchanging information on people’s safety during mountain excursions.
Midland offers models with a quick recall function to the Rete Radio Montana channel, allowing you to enjoy every hike in peace!
What’s the optimal usage cycle to ensure long battery life for a walkie-talkie?
Lastly, let’s discuss the final aspect concerning PMR446 radios: the battery.
To ensure the battery lasts as long as possible, besides properly maintaining the walkie-talkie and following the user manual, it's important to adhere to the radio’s “5/5/90” work cycle. The battery life stated in the user manual (up to 23 hours from the last charge, depending on the model) refers to this usage cycle: 5% of the time transmitting, 5% receiving, and 90% the radio is on but inactive.
This is the standard usage cycle for PMR446 radios, which is not only good practice but also a legal requirement. If the usage cycle varies, it can affect the battery life after each charge. Therefore, it's crucial to follow this cycle to ensure optimal performance and longer battery life.
Radio regulations for walkie-talkies are complex and require significant effort from manufacturers to ensure compliance. It’s essential to choose a reliable manufacturer committed to creating devices that comply with laws designed to protect consumer health and the common good.
Now that PMR446 has no more secrets for you, all that’s left is to buy your Midland walkie-talkie and head off on your next adventure!