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What are the Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) Frequencies? — Detailed Guide for USA Users

Understanding the differences between FRS and GMRS, the frequencies they use, licensing requirements, and how to choose or use them — this article gives you everything in one place, optimized for search engines and users alike.

📡 What are FRS & GMRS? — A Quick Overview

Family Radio Service (FRS)

FRS is a short-distance, two-way voice and limited data radio service in the U.S., authorized for use without an individual license. It operates in the UHF band (around 462 and 467 MHz) and was originally designed for families, outdoor use, and general consumer walkie-talkies. Federal Communications Commission+2Wikipedia+2

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

GMRS is also a UHF radio service in the same general frequency range (≈462-467 MHz) but allows higher power, external antennas, and repeater use. It requires a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. for most uses. Wikipedia+1

Relationship & Key Differences

FRS and GMRS share many of the same frequencies/channels. wiki.radioreference.com
FRS is license-free; GMRS needs a license (for most operations). Wikipedia+1
GMRS allows higher transmission power, external antennas, repeaters. FRS has more restrictions.
Since regulatory changes (notably in 2017), the rules for FRS/GMRS interoperability and power limits changed. Wikipedia+1

📋 FRS / GMRS Frequency & Channel Chart

Here are the commonly used frequencies for FRS & GMRS in the U.S. (for simplex voice communications). Many radios are sold with these “channel” numbers; they correspond to specific frequencies.

Channel #	Frequency (MHz)	Service Notes
1	462.5625	Shared FRS/GMRS — up to 2 W for FRS, up to ~5 W for GMRS. Cobra Electronics+1
2	462.5875	Shared FRS/GMRS. Cobra Electronics+1
3	462.6125	Shared. wiki.radioreference.com
4	462.6375	Shared. Cobra Electronics
5	462.6625	Shared. wiki.radioreference.com
6	462.6875	Shared. Cobra Electronics
7	462.7125	Shared. wiki.radioreference.com
8	467.5625	Shared; some radios restrict power to 0.5 W for FRS on these. wiki.radioreference.com+1
9	467.5875	Shared. Cobra Electronics
10	467.6125	Shared. wiki.radioreference.com
11	467.6375	Shared. k0tfu.org
12	467.6625	Shared. wiki.radioreference.com
13	467.6875	Shared. Cobra Electronics
14	467.7125	Shared. wiki.radioreference.com
15	462.5500	Shared/GMRS-stronger; GMRS may allow 50 W on some repeater channels. k0tfu.org+1
16	462.5750	Similar. wiki.radioreference.com
17	462.6000	Similar. k0tfu.org
18	462.6250	Similar. wiki.radioreference.com
19	462.6500	Similar. Cobra Electronics
20	462.6750	Similar. wiki.radioreference.com
21	462.7000	Similar. Cobra Electronics
22	462.7250	Similar. wiki.radioreference.com

Important notes:

Channels 15-22 are shared but have higher power allowances under GMRS (with license) versus FRS. wiki.radioreference.com+1
There are also additional GMRS repeater input/output channels (e.g., 467.5500 MHz, 467.5750 MHz, 467.6000 MHz, etc) used by licensed GMRS users. Cobra Electronics+1
Bandwidth, permitted effective radiated power (ERP), antenna restrictions differ significantly between FRS and GMRS.

🔍 Regulatory & Usage Rules You Must Know

Licensing & Equipment

FRS: No individual license required. Equipment must comply with FRS rules (fixed or non-detachable antenna for some devices). Federal Communications Commission
GMRS: Requires a license from the FCC (for personal/family use) to transmit on GMRS-only channels or higher-power/antenna setups. Wikipedia

Power & Antenna Restrictions

FRS: Many channels restrict power to 2 W (some to 0.5 W) depending on channel and equipment. Wikipedia
GMRS: With license, may use higher power (e.g., up to 50 W on some channels) and external antennas/repeaters. wiki.radioreference.com

Interoperability

FRS and GMRS share many channels, meaning licensed GMRS and unlicensed FRS users can often communicate if on the same frequency and power limits are respected. myGMRS.com Forums
However, using GMRS high-power features (repeaters, external antennas) without a GMRS license is illegal.

Recent Rule Changes

In 2017 and later, the FCC reclassified many FRS/GMRS overlapping channels and updated rules about hybrid radios. Wikipedia+1
As of 2019, import/manufacture of radios that can transmit on both FRS and GMRS beyond allowed limits is unlawful. Wikipedia

🎯 How to Choose Between FRS & GMRS

If you’re deciding which service to use or which radio to buy, here are key considerations:

Range & power needs: If you just need short-range communication (family events, hiking, camping) and want no licensing hassle → FRS is sufficient.
Range & features: If you plan to use longer range, repeaters, external antennas, or high power → GMRS (with license) is the way. MIDLAND
Cost: GMRS license costs money (covers family/family members) and you must follow stricter rules; FRS is largely plug-and-play.
Equipment: Ensure you buy a radio certified for FRS/GMRS use and make sure you understand the channel/power limits for your region.
Legal compliance: Using channels or power beyond your service type (e.g., using GMRS repeater frequency without license) is a violation.

📝 Summary Table

Service	License Required?	Shared Frequencies	Max Typical Power	Repeaters Allowed?
FRS	No	Yes (many channels)	~2 W (some 0.5 W)	No (generally)
GMRS	Yes	Shares many FRS channels + extra	Up to ~50 W (some)	Yes (with license)

✅ Final Takeaway

If you want a no-license simple two-way radio for short-range communication, FRS is ideal. If you anticipate longer range, use of repeaters, external antennas or support for off-road/remote use, then consider GMRS — and remember: you’ll need the license, must follow power/antenna rules, and use radios certified for GMRS.
Regardless, understand the frequencies listed above and the channel numbers on your radio so you stay compliant and safe.

📚 FAQ — FRS & GMRS Radio Frequencies and Rules

🔹 What are the GMRS frequencies for the FCC?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocates 30 GMRS frequencies between 462 MHz and 467 MHz in the UHF spectrum.

Main GMRS simplex channels: 462.5500 MHz – 462.7250 MHz (shared with FRS).
Repeater input frequencies: 467.5500 MHz – 467.7250 MHz.
GMRS users may operate with higher power (up to 50 W on some channels) and can use repeaters, provided they hold a valid FCC GMRS license.

🔹 Can an FRS radio talk to a GMRS radio?

Yes — FRS and GMRS radios can communicate on the shared channels 1–22, provided both radios are tuned to the same frequency and privacy code. However, an FRS radio is limited to 0.5–2 W, while a GMRS radio may transmit at higher power. GMRS-only repeater or high-power channels are off-limits for FRS users.

🔹 What is the GMRS frequency spectrum?

GMRS operates in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band between 462.550 MHz and 467.725 MHz, encompassing 16 main channels and 14 repeater channels. This part of the spectrum offers reliable short- to medium-range communication with minimal interference and is ideal for mobile, off-road, and family use.

🔹 What is the step frequency of GMRS?

The step frequency (channel spacing) for GMRS is typically 12.5 kHz. Radios certified for GMRS are narrowband, meaning each channel occupies a 12.5 kHz bandwidth segment for efficient spectrum use and compatibility with FCC narrowbanding standards.

🔹 Is GMRS better than FRS?

It depends on your use case:

GMRS is better for longer range, repeaters, and external antennas — but requires a license.
FRS is simpler for family or casual use — license-free but with lower power and range.
If you want professional or off-road reliability, GMRS is superior. For general recreation or neighborhood communication, FRS is sufficient.

🔹 What is the 3-3-3 radio rule?

The 3-3-3 Rule is an emergency communication guideline for off-grid or prepper radio users:

Transmit for 3 minutes,
Every 3 hours,
On Channel 3 (typically FRS/GMRS Channel 3 = 462.6125 MHz).
This helps rescuers or other users locate you while conserving battery and avoiding channel congestion.

🔹 How far can FRS transmit?

Typical FRS range is 0.5 to 2 miles in urban areas and up to 5–6 miles line-of-sight under ideal open conditions. FRS power and antenna limits restrict its range, while GMRS (with higher power and repeaters) can reach 10–25 miles or more depending on terrain.

🔹 What is the 75% rule in F1?

In Formula 1, the 75% rule refers to race completion percentage: a driver must complete at least 75% of the total race distance to be officially classified and awarded points if the race ends early or is stopped. (This rule is unrelated to radio services.)

🔹 What is the 333 rule for ham radio?

In amateur (ham) radio, the 333 Rule is a general operating principle suggesting that operators:

Make 3 contacts per week,
Spend 3 minutes per contact,
On 3 different bands —
to stay active, improve skills, and maintain equipment familiarity. It’s not an official FCC rule but a community practice.

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Q: What are the GMRS frequencies for the FCC?

The FCC allocates 30 GMRS frequencies between 462 MHz and 467 MHz. Main GMRS simplex channels are 462.5500–462.7250 MHz, while repeater input frequencies are 467.5500–467.7250 MHz. GMRS allows up to 50 W and repeater use with a valid FCC license.

Q: Can an FRS radio talk to a GMRS radio?

Yes, FRS and GMRS radios can communicate on shared channels 1–22 if tuned to the same frequency and code. However, FRS users are limited to lower power, and GMRS repeater channels are not accessible to FRS radios.

Q: What is the GMRS frequency spectrum?

GMRS operates in the UHF range from 462.550 MHz to 467.725 MHz, covering 16 main channels and 14 repeater channels for medium-range communication.

Q: What is the step frequency of GMRS?

GMRS uses a 12.5 kHz step frequency, meaning each channel is spaced 12.5 kHz apart, conforming to FCC narrowbanding standards.

Q: Is GMRS better than FRS?

GMRS offers higher power, longer range, and repeater capability but requires a license. FRS is license-free but limited to 2 W and short-range communication. GMRS is better for professional or off-road use, FRS for casual family communication.

Q: What is the 3-3-3 radio rule?

The 3-3-3 rule is an emergency communications protocol: transmit for 3 minutes, every 3 hours, on Channel 3 (typically 462.6125 MHz) to conserve power and help rescuers locate you.

Q: How far can FRS transmit?

FRS radios typically reach 0.5–2 miles in urban areas and up to 5–6 miles in open terrain, depending on power, obstacles, and weather conditions.

Q: What is the 75% rule in F1?

In Formula 1, the 75% rule states that a driver must complete at least 75% of the race distance to be classified and receive points if the race ends prematurely.

Q: What is the 333 rule for ham radio?

The 333 rule in ham radio encourages operators to make 3 contacts per week, each lasting 3 minutes, on 3 different bands to stay active and improve their skills.