MARCH 2005

The Federal Communications Commission has the authority to inspect most radio installations. Responsibility for conducting these inspections generally rests with the Enforcement Bureau's Field Agents. In the course of fulfilling this responsibility, the Agents often receive questions concerning the authority and procedure under which they are working. The Enforcement Bureau has assembled this general information sheet to address some of the more commonly asked questions concerning inspections and to clarify why and how inspections occur.

INSPECTION AUTHORITY

Section 303(n) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, (Act) gives the Federal Communications Commission the "authority to inspect all radio installations associated with stations required to be licensed by any Act, or which the Commission by rule has authorized to operate without a license under section 307(e)(1), or which are subject to the provisions of any Act, treaty, or convention binding on the United States . . ." 47 U.S.C. 303(n) Both Section 303(n) of the Act, and the Rules which implement the Act, grant the right to inspect most radio operations to the Commission, and by delegated authority to the Commission's Bureaus and agents. The Enforcement Bureau conducts inspections of radio installations as part of the Bureau's function to "[e]nforce the Commission's Rules and Regulations." 47 CFR 0.111(a).

Both licensees and non-licensees must allow an FCC Agent to inspect their radio equipment. Along with the privilege of possessing a license come responsibilities such as knowing the applicable rules, including allowing the station to be inspected. Licensees should be aware of the Commission's right to inspect. Equally important, FCC Agents are allowed to inspect the radio equipment of non-licensees. Non-licensees include those individuals or entities operating in accordance with Part 15 of the Rules. Non-licensees also include those who should have a license to operate their equipment but have not obtained a license and are operating without authority.

Radio equipment is generally used in a commercial setting (e.g., commercial broadcast station, land mobile station, commercial delivery service) or a residential setting (e.g., amateur, citizen's band (CB) radio). Home-based businesses may also operate radio stations. This fact sheet addresses inspection of radio stations in both the commercial and residential settings.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Residential Inspection of Radio Equipment by the FCC

Q: Why must operators of radio frequency devices allow the FCC to inspect their equipment?

A: The Commission must ascertain essential facts pertaining to the operation of a station which may be vital to the resolution of a number of questions, including interference problems involving public safety. For this reason, the FCC must be able to check all covered equipment that have the potential to emit radio frequencies. Section 303(n) of the Communications Act gives the FCC this authority.

Q: What happens if I do not allow the FCC agent to inspect my equipment?

A: Failure to allow inspection forecloses the opportunity to resolve the problem. Thus, refusal to allow inspection is a serious challenge to the Commission's authority to inspect radio stations and is a violation of the Rules. Such a refusal may lead to revocation of a license, maximum monetary forfeiture, or other Commission sanctions.

Q: The FCC Agent standing at my door does not have a search warrant, so I don't have to let him in, right?

A: Wrong. Search warrants are needed for entry involving criminal matters. One of the requirements as a licensee, or non-licensee subject to the Commission's Rules, is to allow inspection of your radio equipment by FCC personnel. Whether you operate an amateur station or any other radio device, your authorization from the Commission comes with the obligation to allow inspection. Even radio stations licensed under a "blanket" rule or approval, such as Citizen's Band (CB) Radio, are subject to the Commission's inspection requirement.

Q: Well then, if I am a low-power broadcaster and don't have an FCC license, they need a search warrant, right?

A: Wrong again. The FCC agents have the authority to inspect all radio equipment; even if you do not have a license, the FCC can still inspect your equipment. Section 303(n) of the Act gives the FCC the right to inspect all "stations required to be licensed." This language covers your low-power radio station. The FCC agents are inspecting the equipment, not searching your house.

Q: Okay, I understand now why the Agent doesn't need a search warrant, but how do I know what the Agent will do next?

A: Once you open the door, the agents should show their FCC identification card and badge, identify themselves by name and agency, and should state the purpose of the visit. They then should request permission to inspect the radio station. The agents may also ask to see records such as licenses for the station or operator. Agents, however, should never open private cabinets, drawers, or other private items in the search for license documents.

Q: Can the agents come to my residence at any hour of the day or night to conduct an inspection?

A: FCC Agents inspect during the hours of operation. If you are operating your station during late or unusual hours you cannot use the time element as justification for refusing to permit an inspection at that time. You cannot avoid an inspection by electing to operate only during late or unusual hours.

Q: The FCC Agent said that I had to allow inspection of my radio station without unnecessary delay. What does "without unnecessary delay" mean?

A: Immediate on-the-spot inspections are generally necessary. In most cases, any delay can result in changed conditions of the transmitting equipment or its operation, adversely affecting the efficacy of the inspections. For that reason, Agents cannot return at a later time to accommodate the operator, cannot wait for the operator to make any adjustments to the equipment, and cannot spend time repeating the reasons for the inspection.

Q: Why don't the FCC's agents have to make an appointment with me to inspect my equipment?

A: The Commission has no means of determining whether a station is being operated as licensed except through immediate on-the-spot inspection. To establish the amount of operating power of a station, the input power of the last radio stage of the transmitter must be actually measured with test equipment. To delay an inspection for the convenience of a licensee would allow the licensee time in which to modify or restore the transmitter to its licensed condition, thus permitting the licensee to avoid detection. This same theory also applies in the case of whether a station is operating with an unapproved type of transmitter.

Q: What can happen to me if the agent determines that I am using illegal or unauthorized equipment?

A: There are several different ways that this situation can be handled. You may volunteer to surrender the equipment to the agent who will then destroy it under FCC procedure. If you choose not to surrender the equipment, the FCC can bring a proceeding against you to take the equipment. This is known as an in rem (i.e., property) forfeiture proceeding . Additionally, if you choose not to surrender the equipment, you can be issued a civil monetary forfeiture penalty. See 1997 Forfeiture Policy Statement 12 FCC Rcd 17087(1997).

Q: Am I required to surrender any illegal or unauthorized equipment to the agent?

A: No, surrender is voluntary. However, it is the best way to avoid a large monetary forfeiture.

Q: Is the inspection procedure for various services different? Is the procedure different for licensees and non-licensees?

A: The inspection procedure is essentially the same for all of the services. Similarly, the inspection procedure is the same for licensed and non-licensed stations. This is because the FCC has the right to inspect ALL covered radio equipment.