UK Amateur Radio Licence Rules
Power limits, call signs and the other rules in the current Ofcom licence, rewritten in 2024. Older books and sites still quote 10, 50 and 400 W: check the date on anything that disagrees.
How much power can each licence use?
Peak envelope power unless the table says ERP or EIRP. A dash means the band isn't in that licence.
| Band | Foundation | Intermediate | Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| 136 kHz | 1 W ERP | 1 W ERP | 1 W ERP |
| 472 kHz | – | – | 5 W EIRP |
| 160 m (1810–1850 kHz) | 25 W | 100 W | 1000 W |
| 160 m (1850–2000 kHz) | 25 W | 32 W | 32 W |
| 80, 40, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 m | 25 W | 100 W | 1000 W |
| 60 m (eleven channels) | – | – | 100 W, 200 W EIRP at most |
| 30 m | 25 W | 100 W | 400 W |
| 6 m (50–51 MHz) | 25 W | 100 W | 1000 W |
| 6 m (51–52 MHz) | 25 W | 100 W | 100 W |
| 4 m | 25 W | 100 W | 160 W |
| 2 m | 25 W | 100 W | 1000 W |
| 70 cm (430–432 MHz) | 25 W ERP | 40 W ERP | 40 W ERP |
| 70 cm (432–440 MHz) | 25 W | 100 W | 400 W |
| 23 cm | – | 100 W | 400 W |
From an aircraft, only on the bands with an airborne limit, and then 500 mW EIRP. 431–432 MHz can't be used within 100 km of Charing Cross, London. Schedule 1, Tables A to C.
How often do I have to give my call sign?
"As frequently as is practicable during transmissions." The licence sets no fixed interval: there is no 15-minute rule. Your station must also be clearly identifiable at all times, in voice or a form that suits the mode.
For the exam, also identify when you change frequency, mode (including digital protocols), supervisor or regional locator.
Licence condition 6(21); syllabus 1A4.
Do I have to use a regional locator?
Only with an Intermediate call sign beginning with 2. For everyone else it's optional, but if you use one it must be right for where the station is: M7ABC in Scotland is MM7ABC.
| Where | Locator |
|---|---|
| England | E |
| Scotland | M |
| Wales | W |
| Northern Ireland | I |
| Isle of Man | D |
| Jersey | J |
| Guernsey | U |
Licence conditions 6(22) to 6(24).
Can someone else use my station?
Yes, anyone with your permission who is under your direct supervision. They use your call sign and your licence's limits, and you stay responsible for what they do.
Licence conditions 6(6) and 6(9); syllabus 1B1.
Can I operate from a ship or aircraft?
Yes, at every licence level, aboard a ship or aircraft registered in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while it's in international waters or airspace, and only with the captain's agreement.
Licence conditions 4(1) and 8(3).
Do I need an EMF assessment?
Yes, for equipment your licence lets you run above 10 W EIRP (6.1 W ERP). It must keep the public below the ICNIRP limits, and you keep records of how you checked, to show Ofcom if asked.
Licence condition 9.
How long does the licence last?
Until you surrender it or Ofcom revokes it. Confirm your details with Ofcom at least every five years, and tell them straight away if your name or address changes.
Licence conditions 1 and 2.
Practise These Rules
Licensing is the first section of every paper. Practise just those questions: Foundation · Intermediate · Full
Source: the Ofcom amateur radio licence and Schedule 1, as printed in the RSGB exam reference booklets (2026). Band plans