Why did people stop using CB radios?

People stopped using CB radios primarily due to the rise of cell phones, GPS, and the internet, which offered more private, reliable, and long-distance communication, replacing CB's role for traffic updates and casual chatter, while overcrowded, noisy, and less-regulated channels also pushed users to alternatives like GMRS and licensed business radios. The shift from a cultural phenomenon to a niche hobby, coupled with poor etiquette on the airwaves, also led to its decline for many.

Does anybody use CB radio anymore?

Yes, CB radios are still used, primarily by truckers for real-time road info (accidents, weather, police), but also by off-roaders, preppers, and for general short-range communication where cell service fails, though their use has declined as mobile tech grew. They serve as essential backup tools, especially during emergencies or in remote areas, but are less for casual conversation and more for critical updates, according to this YouTube video and this Reddit thread.
 

When did CB radio lose popularity?

With the birth and growth of the mobile phone industry in the mid 1980s and then subsequently the internet in the mid-1990s, CB's days were numbered. Today you will still find a few loyal followers filling the amateur airwaves, but nothing like the traffic of 40 years ago.

Do truckers still use CB radios in 2025?

Current CB Radio Usage

Despite the proliferation of new technologies, CB radios are far from obsolete in the trucking industry. According to a 2021 survey, 54% of truckers reported using CB radios daily, with an additional 10% having them installed but using them less frequently.

What has replaced CB radios?

The best CB radio alternatives are GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) and FRS (Family Radio Service) radios, offering clearer, longer-range communication for off-roading, overlanding, and group activities, with GMRS providing higher power (up to 50W) and clarity (FM) requiring an FCC license, while FRS uses smaller, license-free handhelds (like walkie-talkies) compatible with GMRS. For more serious, global communication, Amateur (Ham) Radios offer extensive capabilities but require a license and testing.
 

The 3 Types of People still using CB Radio

What is the 3 3 3 rule for radio?

The 3-3-3 radio rule is an emergency communication plan for survivalists and preppers: turn on your radio, listen for 3 minutes, every 3 hours, on a designated Channel 3 (like FRS/GMRS Channel 3, CB Channel 3, or MURS Channel 3). It's a simple, memorable way to coordinate check-ins and calls when regular communication fails, based on the "survival rule of threes".
 

Does anybody talk on CB radios anymore?

Yes, people still use CB radios, especially truck drivers for road info, and it's popular with off-roaders, RV owners, and hobbyists for group coordination, despite cell phones, with modern tech adding features like Single Side Band (SSB) for better range.
 

What does "rubber ducky" mean in CB talk?

In CB (Citizens Band) radio talk, a "Rubber Duck" can refer to a rookie trucker still learning, the lead vehicle in a convoy, or sometimes, a short, rubber antenna for a hand-held radio, but most commonly, it's a nickname for a driver or the front of a convoy in songs like "Convoy". 

Can a CB radio reach 100 miles?

Yes, a CB radio can reach 100 miles, but it's rare and requires specific conditions like strong solar activity (skip), high elevation, powerful illegal amplifiers (like 100W), high-gain antennas, and Single Sideband (SSB) mode, otherwise, the typical range is 20 miles or less; for reliable long-distance communication, ham radio is usually the better, legal option. 

Is CB channel 9 still monitored?

CB Channel 9 is still designated for emergency and traveler assistance, but official monitoring by law enforcement has largely faded due to cell phones; however, some volunteers (like REACT), private citizens, and a few rural police/sheriff's departments still monitor it, especially where cell service is poor, though it's often quiet or filled with non-emergency chatter. 

Are CB radios making a comeback?

In recent years, CB radios have made a significant comeback in popularity among truck drivers, off-roaders, and outdoor enthusiasts. With the advancement of technology, CB radios have evolved into more sophisticated devices, including the integration of Single Side Band (SSB) technology.

Is it illegal to use a CB radio at home?

Operation of Citizens Band (CB) radios, domestic ship and aircraft radios, radio control stations and certain other types of devices is allowed without obtaining individual station licenses.

What is the longest running radio broadcast in US history?

The Grand Ole Opry is 100 years old today! The longest running radio broadcast in U.S. history was founded on this day in 1925 as WSM Barn Dance.

What is illegal on CB radios?

It's illegal on CB radios to transmit music, obscene language, or solicit business; use modified equipment or excessive power; transmit distress signals (except "Mayday" in genuine emergencies); use "channel 9" for anything other than emergency assistance; block channels with long transmissions; or use"coded messages" (like "10-codes"). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates these rules, which aim to keep the airwaves clear for general, short-range communication, prioritizing emergency help.
 

Are CB radios worth having?

The benefits of having a CB radio go far beyond simple truck driver communication. In fact, if you're a driver, motorcyclist, RV enthusiast, hiker, hunter, angler, or even an off-roader, you'll benefit hugely by having one. Even parents will find an element of safety for their children with one.

Do truckers still use channel 19 on CB radios?

Speaking of channels, there are about 40 CB channels truckers use in the 27 MHz frequency band. What radio frequency do truckers use the most? Channels 17 and 19 are two of the most used CB Channels by the trucking community.

What's better, CB or ham radio?

Ham radios have a higher power output, ranging from 5 watts for handhelds to 25 watts for mobiles, and can go up to 1500 watts. CB radios don't require a license to operate, but ham radios do. To operate a ham radio, you need to pass a test and get a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Do CB radios go bad over time?

It's very important to keep up with regular maintenance. Your equipment can and will get dirty dusty and grimy. They can cause a lot of damage when they do making parts wear out faster than they should.

Is a license required to operate a CB radio?

There are no age, citizenship, or license requirements to operate a CB radio in the United States, and the service falls under the "License by Rule" part of the FCC rules (basically, if one follows the rules one is considered licensed).

What does 42 mean in CB lingo?

In CB (Citizens Band) radio talk, 42 means "yes" or "okay," often with emphasis, evolving from the basic "10-4" (message received) to convey strong agreement or an emotional affirmative, like "hell yes," meaning "understood and confirmed!". While 10-4 is standard "okay," 42 adds intensity, signaling enthusiastic consent or acknowledgment in trucker lingo. 

What is a Jimmy in trucking?

The Jimmy name was chosen to reflect the sound of the letters “GM” when spoken aloud. This is similar to how the name Jeep was rumored to originate from the pronunciation of the letters “GP,” standing for “General Purpose.” This theory of the origin of the Jeep name is under debate.

What does pig pen mean in trucking?

Pig Pen: A dirty truck. Plain Wrapper: Unmarked police car. Polar Bear: A white unmarked police car.

What is replacing CB radios?

The best CB radio alternatives are GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) and FRS (Family Radio Service) radios, offering clearer, longer-range communication for off-roading, overlanding, and group activities, with GMRS providing higher power (up to 50W) and clarity (FM) requiring an FCC license, while FRS uses smaller, license-free handhelds (like walkie-talkies) compatible with GMRS. For more serious, global communication, Amateur (Ham) Radios offer extensive capabilities but require a license and testing.
 

Do people still use CB radios in 2025?

Yes, people still use CB radios in 2025, but their usage has shifted from casual chat to more niche applications, primarily as a reliable backup for truckers (for traffic/weather/police alerts), overlanders, and during emergencies, especially in areas with poor cell service, though dedicated apps have reduced general use. While traditional highway chatter is less frequent, they remain valuable safety tools for specific situations like storms or remote travel where modern tech fails, with some industries like grain hauling still relying on them.
 

Do police still use CB radios?

CB Radios are utilized during disasters and emergencies and can save lives. Police, emergency responders, volunteer responders, and many more use CBs to communicate when infrastructure is damaged or nonexistent. See our other article regarding use of CB communication during disasters and other similar events.