FRS (as in Family Radio Service) 2-way radios in the USA

[MY13FRS]

Question with using 2-way FRS radios in the USA....

Will be driving down to the USA with another car. Thinking of keeping in contact by taking my FRS 2-way radios with us. The radios have up to channel 22 (GMRS capable), but we'll set to the free channel 8 (FRS).

Is this perfectly fine? Do I still need a license?

Thanks

[bestwheelbase]

Perfectly fine. We often use them for group drives and special events.

[b.e]

Like bestwheelbase said, you're fine between 8 and 14. You also need to watch the power output on some radios which do not automatically drop to 0.5 watts for the FRS-only channels. Here is what wikipedia has to say about them:

"Recently, hybrid FRS/GMRS consumer radios have been introduced with 22 channels, instead of the 14 channels associated with FRS. On this type of radio, channels 8-14 are strictly license-free FRS channels. Transmitting on all channels above channel 14 requires a license. Transmitting on the shared FRS/GMRS channels 1-7 requires a license, if using more than one half watt. It is the responsibility of the radio user to read and understand all applicable rules and regulations regarding GMRS. These hybrid radios are often referred to as "bubble pack" radios, since they are often packed in a plastic shell, for hanging on a display shelf. The massive sales of these radios have led to the term "bubble-pack pirates", persons who use GMRS without a license.[8]"

Bruce, KF7K

[HunterGreene]

Wow, thanks for bringing this up, I didn't realize that licensing was required for everything except 8-14. I'll just have to be more careful. Is there a reason for this licensing, and how would this be enforced?