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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-indecent-language

What are the rules about indecent or obscene language on amateur radio?

Any such language is prohibited.

  1. It is all prohibited ✔
  2. The FCC keeps a list of banned words
  3. There is no such rule

Why: Part 97 bans obscene or indecent words or language on the air. There is no official list of words, so hams simply keep it clean.

Huh, didn't know that: The ban is in Part 97.113, the FCC list of prohibited transmissions, along with music and false signals.

The dad joke
My radio has a clean mouth. It only uses CQ words.
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Sources

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (Element 2), errata Feb 19, 2026 https://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
  2. 47 CFR 97.113 Prohibited transmissions (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-B/section-97.113

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Ham RadioWhich of these is prohibited for amateur radio operators?Ham RadioWhich kind of one-way transmission is prohibited for amateur stations?Ham RadioWhich agency makes and enforces the rules for amateur radio in the United States?

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