18 USC § 1464 - Broadcasting obscene language

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t18/s1464"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "18 USC § 1464 - Broadcasting obscene language"
title_number: 18
title_name: "CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE"
section_number: "1464"
section_name: "Broadcasting obscene language"
chapter_number: 71
chapter_name: "OBSCENITY"
part_number: "I"
part_name: "CRIMES"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-21"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 769; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)"
---


# § 1464. Broadcasting obscene language

Whoever utters any obscene, indecent, or profane language by means of radio communication shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.

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**Source Credit**: (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 769; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)

### Historical and Revision Notes

Based on sections 326 and 501 of title 47, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radio-telegraphs (, §§ 326, 501, , 1100).

Section consolidates last sentence of section 326 with penalty provision of section 501 both of title 47, U.S.C., 1940 ed., with changes in phraseology necessary to effect the consolidation.

, U.S.C., 1940 ed., is to remain, also, in said title 47, as it relates to other sections therein.

## Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1994— substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $10,000”.

## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Obscene Language; Promulgation of Regulations

Federal Communications Commission to promulgate regulations by , in accordance with this section to enforce this section on a 24 hour per day basis, see , set out as a note under , Telecommunications.