47 CFR § 95.531 - Permissible FRS uses.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t47/s95.531"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "47 CFR § 95.531 - Permissible FRS uses."
title_number: 47
title_name: "Telecommunication"
section_number: "95.531"
section_name: "Permissible FRS uses."
chapter_name: "FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION"
subchapter_number: "D"
subchapter_name: "SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES"
part_number: "95"
part_name: "PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 307."
regulatory_source: "82 FR 41104, Aug. 29, 2017, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "95"
---


# 95.531 Permissible FRS uses.

FRS units are primarily used for short-distance two-way voice communications between individuals.

(a) *Digital data.* In addition to voice conversations, FRS units may transmit digital data containing location information, or requesting location information from one or more other FRS or GMRS units, or containing a brief text message to another specific GMRS or FRS unit. Digital data transmissions may be initiated by a manual action of the operator or on an automatic or periodic basis, and a FRS unit receiving an interrogation request may automatically respond with its location. *See also* § 95.587(c).

(b) *One-way communications.* FRS units may be used for one-way communications that are emergency messages, traveler assistance communications, voice pages or brief equipment tests.

(c) *GMRS stations.* FRS units normally communicate with other FRS units, but may also be used to communicate with General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) stations.

[82 FR 41104, Aug. 29, 2017, as amended at 86 FR 53564, Sept. 28, 2021]