Laws On Radios That "Look Like Police Radios"

[swordman]

I have a Motorola MTS2000 Flashport radio that looks just like the ones the police use, and in fact I believe it is the same model some precincts use. I use it since I like radio equipment, but I have it programmed to transmit only on FRS, and GMRS frequencies. It isn't programmed to listen/transmit on any FIRE/EMS/Police frequencies. I'm almost positive that I can legally own it since they are sold on eBay all the time without issue. The problem is that when I have it on my belt, or in my hand people (including nearby LEOs) look at me in a weird way. If I ever got told by a cop that it is illegal is there a section of the NYS law I could quote to save my ***, or would the cop be right. It operates on the 403-478MHz band, and is programmed only for FRS/GMRS frequencies. If it is illegal, where can I turn it in that might get me some money for it so I wouldn't be wasting $200 on a radio? Thanks

[michiganstud]

I'm almost positive that I can legally own it since they are sold on eBay all the time without issue.

Trust me, JUST because you can buy it on EBAY does not make it legal for you to possess.

The problem is that when I have it on my belt, or in my hand people (including nearby LEOs) look at me in a weird way.

Probably because you are the only civilian around carrying a radio?? :rolleyes:

If I ever got told by a cop that it is illegal is there a section of the NYS law I could quote to save my ***, or would the cop be right. It operates on the 403-478MHz band, and is programmed only for FRS/GMRS frequencies. If it is illegal, where can I turn it in that might get me some money for it so I wouldn't be wasting $200 on a radio? Thanks

Different states have various laws on devices able to receive police frequencies or other shortwave radio frequencies. I'm sure one of our NY guys will tell you soon enough.

But generally speaking if you are a "HAM" radio operator and are licensed for such frequencies you may possess and operate the radio anywhere you choose. If you are one of those that modifies your radio to pick up police frequencies or anything other than "HAM" it may get you into trouble.

[swordman]

As I stated before, it is only programmed to pickup FRS/GMRS. Neither requires a HAM license, but I do have the required GMRS license. Also I do not have the technical knowledge, nor the wiilling to modify the radio. All of my friends have them too though, since we are all nerds.

Actually it does have one frequency for business radio for the best buy I work at, but I have my manager's permission to do so.

[michiganstud]

As I stated before, it is only programmed to pickup FRS/GMRS. Neither requires a HAM license, but I do have the required GMRS license. Also I do not have the technical knowledge, nor the wiilling to modify the radio. All of my friends have them too though, since we are all nerds.

Actually it does have one frequency for business radio for the best buy I work at, but I have my manager's permission to do so.

I don't see that being a problem. There are no laws that I know of that state you can't have what "looks to be a police radio".

But now that I think of it, some of the FRS channels only allow you to have 1/2 a watt of power, and most motorola's are a 5 watt radio.

To me it sounds more like you have an image problem. :cool:

[swordman]

IDK what you mean by "image problem". I just don't want to be arrested for carrying around my "nerd toys"

[michiganstud]

IDK what you mean by "image problem". I just don't want to be arrested for carrying around my "nerd toys"

You missed the :cool: face.


I edited the above though, have you looked into the watt ratio's of each FRS channel?

[paternoster2012]

I think people look at you strange is because most people don't walk around with a big "brick" radio to use it as a 2way.
If you are not listening or broadcasting on police channels then why have something that "looks like a police radio" if something cheaper and smaller will suffice.
I'm not a radio guru, but I believe my tiny little cobra handheld 2 ways broadcast of both FRS and GMRS frequencies to a range of 5 miles and cost 30 bucks at walmart.
Personally I'm not a fan of my bulky brick radio. They seem fresh out of the 80s to me.

[Retired Trooper]

[TX-LEO]

That pic looks like a good obstructed operator's view ticket to the right Officer in a bad mood!

:D Unless you bought a good armature radio system ( and even then I dunno if you could do it ), you probably couldn't key up on a modern trunked radio system anyway ( if it is trunked ). They are computer controlled and assign freqs on the fly, and the radio system knows when I turn on my radio.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

[scott715us]

I have a Motorola MTS2000 Flashport radio that looks just like the ones the police use, and in fact I believe it is the same model some precincts use. I use it since I like radio equipment, but I have it programmed to transmit only on FRS, and GMRS frequencies. It isn't programmed to listen/transmit on any FIRE/EMS/Police frequencies. I'm almost positive that I can legally own it since they are sold on eBay all the time without issue. The problem is that when I have it on my belt, or in my hand people (including nearby LEOs) look at me in a weird way. If I ever got told by a cop that it is illegal is there a section of the NYS law I could quote to save my ***, or would the cop be right. It operates on the 403-478MHz band, and is programmed only for FRS/GMRS frequencies. If it is illegal, where can I turn it in that might get me some money for it so I wouldn't be wasting $200 on a radio? Thanks

How old are you, 10? Who are you transmitting to with a $200 radio? If you're not in the public safety profession, a HAM operator, or storm-chaser, I think it's retarded that someone would spend that much just to talk to their friends. I think you need a girlfriend....

[chiefhuntr]

The problem is that when I have it on my belt, or in my hand people (including nearby LEOs) look at me in a weird way. Thanks

THe reason they are looking at you all wierd is not the radio, it is the 14 inch sword on your hip..................:eek: :rolleyes:


You sure start some wierd threads.

[shugs]

Anyone carrying around a "radio that looks like a police radio", isn't likely to be able to snag a girlfriend.

[TX-LEO]

Anyone carrying around a "radio that looks like a police radio", isn't likely to be able to snag a girlfriend.

:D ha!

[mcsap]

You can buy a pair of very sleek and HO ( 5 watts) FRS?GMRS radios for under $100. They are compact , can be Vox equipped etc. These have an advertised 10+ mile range not counting the GMRS repeaters available.

But you choose to spend $200 on a police look alike radio because you want people to think that you are the police.

Why not get a ham license and then you can launch yourself into official nerd-dom ? GMRS/FRS is nothing compared to a 2 meter link that covers 1/3 of the USA !

N3_ _ _

[Sheriff]

There is no such thing as a "police radio" or a "police looking radio". Every make and every model from every manufacturer are used by both civilians and police in everyday life.

As a matter of fact I purchased and owned a Motorola HT1000 long before any local department did. Once local departments did start using the HT1000, did it automatically become a "police radio" or a "police looking radio"? No.

No two way radio manufacturer could survive if they only manufactured a special radio for police use only.

{The HT1000 I speak of was purchased with my own funds and used at the Sheriff's Office I was working for at the time. Because they issued us portable two way leftover radios from our local city police department. I did not trust my life with leftover used two way radios that didn't work half the time. We spent more time running them back and forth to the shop than we did actually getting any use out of them.)