Frequency range 136–174 MHz: legal use in cars, choice of equipment and SCRF rules

Range 136–174 MHz is one of the most sought-after RF resources for motorists, taxi services, freight forwarders and emergency services. These frequencies refer to VHF band (very high frequencies) and provide stable communication at distances of up to 50–100 km, depending on the terrain and transmitter power. However, their use is strictly regulated State Commission on Radio Frequencies (SCRF), and violations of the rules threaten fines of up to 50,000 rubles and confiscation of equipment.

In this article we will look at how to legally use frequencies 146.000–148.000 MHz (allocated for civil communications in Russia), which radios and antennas are suitable for cars, how to avoid interference and not break the law. We will separately dwell on the nuances of setting up equipment, choosing channels for truckers and taxi drivers, as well as the latest changes in the regulation of radio frequencies in 2026.

What is the 136–174 MHz range and why is it popular among motorists

Range 136–174 MHz included in VHF band (Very High Frequency) and has historically been used for professional and amateur radio communications. In the automotive industry it is valued for:

• 📡 Communication range - up to 100 km on flat terrain (with a power of 5–10 W and a good antenna).
• 🚛 Interference immunity - less susceptible to industrial noise than CB band (27 MHz).
• 📻 Legal channels for citizens — frequencies are allocated in Russia 146.000–148.000 MHz for persons without a license (subject to conditions).
• 🔋 Energy efficiency - modern walkie-talkies consume less energy than equipment for UHF (430–440 MHz).

However, not all frequencies in this range are available for free use. For example, 136–144 MHz assigned to the military and intelligence services, and 148–174 MHz — for commercial organizations (taxi, logistics, Ministry of Emergency Situations). Only relevant for motorists civil channels within 146–148 MHz, but here there are limitations on power and type of modulation.

Legislative regulation: what SCRF says in 2026

In Russia, the use of radio frequencies is regulated Federal Law No. 126-FZ "On Communications" and decisions SCRF. For range 136–174 MHz The following rules apply:

Frequency subrange	Purpose	User requirements	Max. power
136–144 MHz	Military, Ministry of Internal Affairs, FSB	Prohibited for civilian use	—
144–146 MHz	Radio amateurs (license)	Call sign required, exam in ROS	100 W
146–148 MHz	Civil communications (without license)	Only radios with a certificate, power up to 5 W	5 W
148–174 MHz	Commercial services (taxi, Ministry of Emergency Situations)	SCRF permission required	25–50 W

Important: with January 1, 2026 Fines for the use of uncertified walkie-talkies have been tightened. For example, for work at the frequency 146.520 MHz (a popular channel for truckers) without a license now faces a fine from 30,000 rubles (Article 13.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). The exception is walkie-talkies with certificate of conformity of the EAEU, operating in mode FM with a power of no more than 5 W.

⚠️ Attention: Chinese-made walkie-talkies (for example, Baofeng UV-5R) are often sold with unlocked frequencies 136–174 MHz, but their use on prohibited channels is equivalent to illegal broadcasting and may result in confiscation of equipment.

Which radios are suitable for the 136–174 MHz range in a car

For legal use in a car, only radios with SCRF certificate and support of civil channels 146–148 MHz. Popular models:

• 📻 Motorola RMU2040 — certified for Russia, power 4 W, 16 channels.
• 🚗 Yaesu FT-65R - waterproof, with function CTCSS (tone coding).
• 🛠️ Albrecht AE 5890 - budget option with support FM/NFM modulation.
• 🔋 Icom IC-V80E — premium model with GPS and extended range.

When choosing a walkie-talkie, pay attention to:

• 🔌 Power type - better 12V (connection to the cigarette lighter) or Li-Ion batteries.
• 📶 Receiver sensitivity - no worse than 0.2 µV for reliable reception.
• 🔊 Availability CTCSS/DCS — to filter interference on busy channels.
• 📄 EAEU Certificate - check the database FSTEC.

To install in a car you will also need antenna. Optimal options:

• 📡 Diamond NR770HB — magnetic, with a gain of 3 dBi.
• 🚙 Sirio Performer 5000 — for roof mounting, range 136–174 MHz.
• 🔧 Nagoya UT-72 — flexible antenna for walkie-talkies with connector SMA.

How to set up a walkie-talkie for frequencies 136–174 MHz: step-by-step instructions

Configuring the radio for operation in the range 146–148 MHz (civil channels) includes several stages. It is important to follow order to avoid accidental access to prohibited frequencies.

Step 1. Checking the legality of the frequency

Before programming channels, make sure that the frequency is allowed for your region. The current list of civic channels can be checked on the website Roskomnadzor. For example, in Moscow the following are allowed:

• 146.410 MHz — a channel for car clubs.
• 146.520 MHz - truck drivers (required CTCSS 88.5 Hz).
• 146.610 MHz — emergency communication (only for emergencies).

Step 2. Programming channels

For most walkie talkies (eg. Baofeng UV-5R or Motorola RMU2040) configuration is performed via software on a PC:

1. Connect the walkie-talkie to the computer via cable USB-Programming.
2. Open the program CHIRP (free) or proprietary software (for example, Motorola CPS).
3. Create a new channel with the following parameters:

   Frequency: 146.520 MHz
   Modulation: FM
   Power: 5 W (Low Power)
   CTCSS: 88.5 Hz (if required)

4. Save the configuration to the radio.

Step 3. Antenna setup

For maximum communication range:

• Install the antenna on roof center car (maximum visibility).
• Use a cable with characteristic impedance 50 ohm.
• Check SWR (SWR) - it should be no higher than 1.5. To measure use KSW meter.

⚠️ Attention: If SWR exceeds 2.0, this may lead to overheating finals (output stages) of the radio and its breakdown. In this case, check the quality of soldering of the connectors or replace the antenna.

Popular channels in the range 136–174 MHz for motorists

In Russia, the following frequencies are most in demand among motorists (check the relevance for your region!):

Frequency (MHz)	Purpose	CTCSS (Hz)	Region
146.410	Car clubs, tour groups	88.5	Central Federal District
146.520	Truckers, forwarders	88.5 or 100.0	All Russia
146.550	Taxi services (licensed)	123.0	Moscow, St. Petersburg
146.610	Emergency communication (accidents, breakdowns)	Missing	All regions

On the channel 146.610 MHz The traffic situation is often monitored, but it is prohibited to use it for ordinary communication - only for transmitting urgent information (for example, about traffic jams or accidents).

How to find out if a channel is busy?

Listen to the frequency for 30 seconds before going on air. If you hear conversations, wait for a pause and state your call sign (for example, “Car 123, over”). Do not interrupt other people's conversations - this is a violation of radio etiquette and may lead to a complaint to the SCRF.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced walkie-talkie users make mistakes that lead to fines or equipment breakdown. Let's look at typical problems:

1. Operation on prohibited frequencies

Many walkie-talkies (especially Baofeng, Wouxun) are unlocked by default for the range 136–174 MHz. However, using e.g. 144.000 MHz (ham radio band) without a license is punishable by a fine of up to 50,000 rubles.

2. Incorrect setting CTCSS

If on the channel 146.520 MHz tone code set 88.5 Hz, and you transmit without it, your signal will interfere with other users. This may lead to a complaint and scrutiny from Roskomnadzor.

3. Ignoring SWR

High SWR (above 2.0) not only reduces the communication range, but also risks burning out the output stage of the radio. Reasons:

• 🔌 Poor contact in the antenna connector.
• 📡 The antenna does not resonate at the required frequency.
• 🔋 The cable is damaged (for example, the insulation is frayed).

4. Channel overload

On popular frequencies (for example, 146.520 MHz) there are “congestions” when several users speak at the same time. This creates interference and interferes with communication. Solution:

• Use CTCSS/DCS for filtering.
• Switch to backup channels (for example, 146.430 MHz).
• Reduce transmission time (no more than 30 seconds at a time).

Fines and liability for violations

Using radio frequencies without permission or in violation of SCRF rules entails administrative and even criminal liability. Current fines in 2026:

Violation	Fine (individuals)	Fine (legal entities)	Additional measures
Using an uncertified walkie-talkie	3,000–5,000 rub.	50,000–100,000 rub.	Equipment confiscation
Operation on a prohibited frequency (for example, 144.000 MHz)	10,000–30,000 rub.	200,000–300,000 rub.	Confiscation + deprivation of license (if any)
Exceeding the permitted power (more than 5 W at 146–148 MHz)	5,000–10,000 rub.	100,000–150,000 rub.	Seizure of the radio
Creating intentional interference	30,000–50,000 rub.	500,000–1,000,000 rub.	Criminal liability (Article 13.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation)

The use of frequencies is especially severely punished 136–144 MHz (military and intelligence services). In 2023 in Sverdlovsk region a case was recorded when a truck driver used a walkie-talkie Baofeng UV-5R at frequency 140.000 MHz (assigned to the Ministry of Emergency Situations). As a result, he paid a fine 40,000 rubles, and the walkie-talkie was confiscated.

⚠️ Attention: If you bought a walkie-talkie from AliExpress or another foreign site, check it for compliance with Russian standards. Most Chinese models are not certified for the range 136–174 MHz in Russia and can only work in receive mode (without transmission).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 136–174 MHz band

Can I use the Baofeng UV-5R walkie-talkie on 146.520 MHz without a license?

Technically yes, but only if the radio certified in Russia and power does not exceed 5 W. Most Baofeng UV-5R, purchased on AliExpress, do not have a SCRF certificate, so their use for transfer is illegal. You can listen to the broadcast, but transmit only after legalizing the radio (for example, by purchasing a certified model from an official dealer).

Which antenna is better to choose for communication on 146–148 MHz in a car?

The best option is magnetic antenna with gain 3–6 dBi and about 1.5 meters long. For example:

• Diamond NR770HB — universal, suitable for most walkie-talkies.
• Sirio Performer 5000 - for roof mounting, better range.
• Nagoya UT-72 — flexible, vibration-resistant.

Avoid antennas that are too short (less than 50 cm) - they lose up to 50% efficiency per VHF.

How to check if the frequency is free before going on air?

Before transfer:

1. Listen to the frequency for 30–60 seconds.
2. If the broadcast is busy, wait for a pause or go to a backup channel.
3. Use the function Monitor (if any) to check for signal presence.

For example, on the channel 146.520 MHz Truckers often have lengthy negotiations - do not interrupt them.

What happens if I get caught on an illegal frequency?

If you are using a radio on a prohibited frequency (for example, 144.000 MHz or 150.000 MHz), you can:

• Fine 10,000–50,000 rubles (Article 13.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
• Confiscate equipment.
• Deny the right to obtain an amateur radio license in the future.

In rare cases (for example, in case of deliberate interference with emergency services), a criminal case according to Art. 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Illegal access to radio frequencies”).

Is it possible to use a 136–174 MHz radio for communication between vehicles in a convoy?

Yes, but only for permitted civilian channels (for example, 146.410 MHz or 146.520 MHz) and subject to the following conditions:

• Radio power no more 5 W.
• Certified equipment is used.
• No intentional interference with other users.

For organized events (eg rallies) it is better to get temporary permission from SCRF to use the allocated frequency.