CANBERRA, ACT. — Some 2-way radios for sale online, such as TYT and Boefang models, do not meet Australian standards, rules and laws. These radios may cause dangerous interference that puts lives at risk – including your own.
Unsafe 2-way radios put lives at risk – don’t risk it
Two-way radios – also known as walkie-talkies – are common and easy to buy online. They are often cheap and sold with pre-programmed frequencies.
The supplier may not know if these frequencies are safe to use in Australia.
If your 2-way radio doesn’t meet Australian rules, it may cause interference that disrupts important communications signals, including those used by the emergency services and aviation and maritime services.
Unsafe, illegal radios put lives at risk, including your own.
Serious penalties apply
The maximum penalty for using an unauthorised 2-way radio is a $495,000 fine or 2 years in prison.
If you are found to be causing significant interference to others, maximum penalties may include a fine of $1,650,000 or 5 years prison.
Before you buy a 2-way radio
Check that the radio has a label with the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)
The RCM shows that a product is safe to supply to the Australian market.
Make sure it meets Australian standards and rules
Check whether the supplier and device model are on the national database. If they are, it shows they have followed our rules. If not, ask the supplier if the radio meets Australian rules. Be wary if they do not answer you.
You can also check reviews from other customers.
Check the supplier’s location
If the supplier is overseas, the radio may not use the right frequency for Australia.
Is the deal too good to be true?
If the radio is far cheaper than other brands, the supplier may not have tested the radio to our technical standards.
Report unsafe radios
Report a product to us if you think it is unsafe.
Consider renting
Renting a radio can be quick and easy. Rental companies make sure their radios comply with our rules.
Make sure you have the right licence
If you operate a 2-way radio in Australia, you need to check the licensing arrangements that apply to the frequency you are using. Check you understand and meet your radiocommunications licensing requirements.
