The UV-5R can be programmed to transmit and receive on a wide range of frequencies, but there are some gotchas in there. It is not legal to use it on FRS frequencies because it does not meet FRS system requirements. FCC rules say GMRS radios are supposed to be Type Accepted under Part 95 of their rules, but the UV-5R is Type Accepted under Part 90 rules, so it is not in compliance. Also, a GMRS license is currently required to use GMRS frequencies.
All of the Part 90 frequencies require a license to operate on any given frequency, so you can't use it under Part 90 unless you have the license holders permission to operate there. An example would be a volunteer fire fighter could use it on his department's public safety frequency if the department authorized him to do so.
The biggest use of UV-5R is for ham radio - it is legal to use it on either the 2 meter or 70cm (440 MHz) bands with a Technician class ham license. Many hams have bought them for backup or kick-around radios because of their low cost.
It's a cool little radio, but it is easy to get out of compliance with regulations when using it. Some people don't worry about that, but others do. Caution when programming it is advised...
Wally
All of the Part 90 frequencies require a license to operate on any given frequency, so you can't use it under Part 90 unless you have the license holders permission to operate there. An example would be a volunteer fire fighter could use it on his department's public safety frequency if the department authorized him to do so.
The biggest use of UV-5R is for ham radio - it is legal to use it on either the 2 meter or 70cm (440 MHz) bands with a Technician class ham license. Many hams have bought them for backup or kick-around radios because of their low cost.
It's a cool little radio, but it is easy to get out of compliance with regulations when using it. Some people don't worry about that, but others do. Caution when programming it is advised...
Wally