Although not directly related to amateur radio, radio scanners are of interest to many people who enjoy listening to and experimenting with radio.
On this page, we look at some of the rules surrounding the use of radio scanners in the UK.
Is it legal to own and use a radio scanner?
Yes, it is legal to buy and own a radio scanner in the UK. However, that doesn’t mean that you’re legally entitled to listen to every transmission that your scanner is capable of receiving.
Ofcom describes scanners as receivers that can automatically tune or scan two or more frequencies. In general, receiving equipment does not itself require a licence, but there are restrictions on what communications you may intentionally intercept.
What can I listen to?
Radio intended for general reception is the safest area for scanner listening. Examples include:
- Licensed broadcast radio stations
- Amateur radio transmissions
- CB radio
- Other transmissions intended for general reception
- Services that you are specifically authorised to receive
For radio enthusiasts, amateur radio can provide plenty to listen to. Activity can be found on numerous amateur bands, including the popular 2 metre and 70cm bands, with local repeaters often providing a useful starting point.
What shouldn’t I listen to?
The important legal distinction isn’t simply the frequency or service being used. UK law restricts the intentional interception of messages for which neither you nor someone on whose behalf you are acting is an intended recipient.
This can include private or operational communications such as business radio, private communications and other transmissions not intended for general reception.
Section 48 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 covers the interception and disclosure of messages. It makes it an offence, without lawful authority, to use wireless telegraphy equipment with the intention of obtaining information about the contents, sender or addressee of a message where you are not an intended recipient.
There are also restrictions on disclosing information obtained from such a transmission. In simple terms, hearing something on a radio scanner doesn’t automatically give you the right to pass that information on to someone else or publish it.
Note: This page provides general information rather than legal advice. Ofcom itself recommends obtaining specific legal advice if you’re uncertain about the legality of receiving particular communications.
Want more to listen to?
If listening to radio communications has sparked an interest in amateur radio, you might want to consider getting an amateur radio licence yourself.
With a UK Foundation licence, you can move from simply listening to actually getting on the air, making contacts, using amateur radio repeaters and experimenting with different bands, antennas and modes.
Essex Ham offers a free online Foundation training course designed to help newcomers prepare for their first amateur radio exam.
Find out about our free Foundation Online course
Got a question about radio scanners? Add a comment below…
Hi
I have a question about radio scanner’s and there listening radius in respect of distance?
Say a station is set up in Hellifield, North Yorkshire to Carnforth, Lancashire ( think it is about 24 miles)?
Janet
This depends on the type of antenna (handheld, car, rooftop, loft, garden) and the frequencies you want to receive. Reception of stations around the world on shortwave frequencies using a scanner with a modest antenna is possible, but reception of high frequencies on a small handheld antenna will be very limited.
Pete
I recently purchased a UBC125XLT scanner from England.
I find it works very well with BuTel programming software.
I should like to upgrade to a scanner with uninterrupted coverage up to 3000 mHz.
Wish to know if there are any such units which work with BuTel software.
Can’t find contact information for BuTel to ask them directly.
Do you know of any scanners with total coverage to 3000 mHz and will work with BuTel software?
Many thanks
Fred
Has it ever happened where you are attempting to find a legal broadcast and accidently pick up an illegal one and it’s not one you even want to hear? You hear this weird conversation taking over what your listening to?
Could you please do a section on absolute beginner stuff like Squelch and Gain etc.. Reviews on radios and tips for antennas. I like your show on Alexa but it doesn’t have anything for me (49yrs Idiot with Radio) Also I am in Hastings UK and Airband is a real struggle, Could you maybe list some good signals (like the shipping forecast but for reception) for us to find. I have a Tecsun S2000 and a Baofeng UV-5R as I’m only new to the sport. Thanks ever so much
Hi Marcus,
Have you considered taking our free online course? See http://www.hamtrain.co.uk
According to Ofcom it IS NOT legal to listen to CB in the UK.
Sorry. but it is perfectly legal to listen to CB in the UK.
The Ofcom document confirming this can be found here:
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/radio-equipment/radio-spectrum-and-the-law
This clearly states:
“A license is not required to use a radio receiver or scanner as long as it is not capable of transmission. It is not illegal to sell, buy or own a scanner or any other receiver but it should only be used to listen to transmissions meant for general reception. The services that can be listened to under the definition of general reception are: 1. licensed broadcasting stations; 2. amateur and citizens’ band radio transmissions; ; and 3. weather and navigation transmissions”
100% confirms that listening to CB is legal. Can you point me at an Ofcom document that says otherwise?
It’s not legal to listen to the police? I had no clue, I assumed it was similar to the US.
Is it legal to listen to police in America and when in the UK and that they know about it being public and also being a few minutes behind for people safety
Novice here,
What is a good starter for general use ie aircraft, boats emergency etc don’t need anything that transmits prefer handheld
Thank you
hi, i am a complete newbie and interested in CB radio only coz the recent madness with COVID turned me into a Prepper. So I want to know if SHTF, no internet, no phones, can I buy a cheap CB radio set to listen to emergency services eg police, ambulance etc.? what is the term for such set and is it legal at all?
As far I was aware it was legal to listen to the Police as long as you didn’t use, or act on the information.
It is not possible to listen to the UK police any more as they use a highly secure encrypted Tetra system.
Its legal to listen and transmit on CB legal frequencies. 4 watts FM & 12watts for AM/SSB.
Looking to get my first scanner.
Any recommendations
Is it legal to buy and own a transceiver and use it to listen ham radio without transmission in UK? (instead of using scanner or receiver)
Yes, that’s legal – ham radio is available for “general reception”
ge.burke@sky.com
Hi we are an elderly couple and live in Fleetwood, we often sit on the promenade and there is quite a bit of activity by air and sea and we would love to join in the comings and goings. what would the best scanner to buy and what kind of shop sells them please? TIA
12 August 2022 Reply
Hi we are an elderly couple and live in Fleetwood, we often sit on the promenade and there is quite a bit of activity by air and sea and we would love to join in the comings and goings. what would the best scanner to buy and what kind of shop sells them please? TIA
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Well, now thats going to make me think, theres no Tandy, no Radio Shack, no Maplin, no Telly Parts, It looks like your going to need a SDR – Software Defined Radio Mhz 0 to 30 or upto Ghz 2000 from Amazon, just plug it in your Laptop or PC, or a stand alone box.
Take a look at this Free online HF Radio Resevers from around the World and have a play with them – http://kiwisdr.com/public/
https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Sdr-Radio/4670/bn_7023412376?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5337590774&customid=&toolid=10001
https://www.amazon.co.uk/sdr-radio/s?k=sdr+radio
SDR-Radio.com software is a Windows solution for Software Defined Radio (SDR) receivers and transceivers. The software is being continually developed with new features added on a regular basis. Licenced radio amateurs and shortwave listeners do not need a licence to use this software; a licence is required for commercial use .
I hope you found this usefull.
From one old Short Wave user I once reseved Wellington, New Zeland from Wolverhampton, UK on a old Realistic DX 160.
I use to make my owne CB Radio Mods, I got 15 watt output and put an extra RF Stage to turn a deff Audioline 341 Uniden Board into a very good radio with out the issing and sushing of a Sibadine Board – York 863.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ccylez-0-1MHz%E2%80%911-7GHz-Receiver-Communication-Intercom-default/dp/B08FC2NJ1N
WoW what a nice bit of kit, how do they do it? 0.1Mhz-1.7Ghz
Where does PMR446 and the business band just above it fall with listening? I take it since PMR446 is an open free to use band it should be legal to listen but I’d assume if I’m not licenced and the intended recipient of the business band I can’t listen to it?
How did I ever get through the 1980s listening to all kinds of frequencies on scanners without realising it is illegal? (I always knew that listening to police was illegal, despite it being audible on the low end of the broadcast VHF band, which made complete sense) Otherwise does seem a bit of a bizarre law you might find in a totalitarian country, given that encryption has been available for decades for those needing privacy