To keep frequency use clean and available to use by as many as possible, there’s some common etiquette guidelines and tips that radio operators have developed and shared over the years.

Your voice should be clear. Speak a little slower than normal.

Keep your message simple enough for intended listeners to understand. You can be too concise though; use affirmative or negative in favor of yes or no.

Be precise and to the point; avoid unnecessary banter.

Do not transmit confidential information on a radio unless you know the proper security technology is in place. Remember, frequencies are shared; you do not have exclusive use of any frequency.

With handheld radios, transmission should be used sparingly to preserve power. Most power consumption is done when transmitting.

To find the best available channel, monitor a channel for traffic before use.

Wait half a second after pressing the mic button on the radio before speaking.

Any emergency transmission takes priority and you can use any frequency to transmit out in an emergency situation. Please refrain from unnecessary conversations during emergency situations.

Do not use profanity over the airwaves. It’s not only good manners, it’s FCC law.

Transmit periodically with your friends to ensure your radios are operating properly.

Clearly identifying yourself when transmitting is encouraged. It helps those in your race team or riding group know who’s talking. Instead of transmitting: “Hey, I have a flat.”, use identifying language such as “Chase truck, this is Race car. We blew a tire.”

Unlike cell phones, two-way radios cannot transmit and receive at the same time. Allow an incoming transmission to complete before you begin transmitting out.

Nothing is more frustrating than someone who’s transmitting on a frequency because they’re accidentally sitting on the hand mic or the PTT button on the handheld radio is being pressed inadvertently. Be a responsible radio operator. Make sure handheld radios are properly stored and hand mics aren’t laying on your seat to avoid accidental transmission.

Do not reply if you aren’t sure the transmission is meant for you. There may be others using that frequency having their own conversation.

Stop Turns is a convoy classic that just works. In addition to using the radio to alert the group to a turn, we highly recommend using Stop Turns as well.

When you get to a turn, stop and wait until you see the vehicle behind you. Confirm that vehicle sees the turn and the direction you traveled. Each member of the group should continue doing this until all vehicles are through the turn. YOU are responsible for the vehicle behind you staying on course and making each turn!

Two-way radios allow Stop Turns to take place more quickly since confirmations can be made verbally and without hand signals.

Developed to make communications clearer in military communications, using a formatted alphabet allows users to clearly spell critical information by using words to represent letters. This assured information and coordinates were clearly understood. Using this alphabet can help provide clarity in noisy transmissions.

Following these basic tips and guidelines will help ensure transmissions are clear, understood, and keeping chatter to a minimum to maintain open frequencies for all.

The hardest part of this is actually doing it. Your delivery doesn’t need to be perfect or rehearsed. The simple fact that you’re talking about it ahead of time will show your group how important it is and prompt them to listen and use the radios as intended. Remember, if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.