CB Radio in 2025 – What to expect?

CB Radio in the USA: A Timeless Tool in 2025

The United States, the birthplace of the CB radio phenomenon, continues to embrace the technology even in 2025. While its heyday as a cultural icon might be long past, CB radio remains an integral part of American life, particularly in rural areas and among specific communities.

The Trucking Backbone

The trucking industry in the United States has always been synonymous with CB radio. Even with the advent of advanced logistics systems and mobile apps, many truckers consider CB radios indispensable. In 2025, an estimated 75% of long-haul truckers in the U.S. still keep a CB radio in their cab. It’s not just a tool; it’s a lifeline and a companion.

CB radios are used daily to share real-time updates on traffic, road conditions, and weather. When truckers encounter accidents, detours, or construction zones, the CB waves come alive with warnings and advice. Beyond the practical aspects, CB radios maintain the sense of camaraderie that defines trucking culture. Handles—nicknames used on the air—still carry a sense of identity, and the familiar “breaker, breaker” call can spark conversations that turn lonely miles into social ones.

A Rural Necessity

In rural parts of the United States, CB radios are still a vital means of communication. Many communities in the Midwest and the South, where cellular service can be unreliable or nonexistent, rely on CB radios for everyday communication. Farmers in states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas use CB radios to coordinate machinery, discuss crop conditions, and check in with neighbors.

CB radio clubs in these areas also help preserve the technology’s legacy. Community members often gather to share tips on maintaining equipment, swap stories, and organize local events. These clubs have become cultural institutions in their own right, blending tradition with practicality.

The Survivalist and Prepper Communities

The growing interest in self-reliance and emergency preparedness has also brought CB radio back into the spotlight. The prepper movement, which emphasizes readiness for potential disasters, sees CB radios as a must-have tool for resilient communication. In emergencies, when cellular networks are down or power outages leave digital tools useless, CB radios become a reliable alternative.

In 2025, CB radios are a standard item on most prepper lists, alongside flashlights, water filters, and emergency food supplies. Many enthusiasts in this community run drills to practice using their radios, ensuring they are ready to communicate effectively in the event of a natural disaster or other crisis.

The CB Renaissance Among Hobbyists

In urban areas, CB radios are enjoying a quiet renaissance among tech enthusiasts and retro hobbyists. Cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York have seen a rise in CB clubs that cater to younger generations drawn to the analog charm of the technology. These clubs often organize “CB DXing” events, where participants try to make long-distance contacts with other CB users, sometimes reaching hundreds of miles under the right atmospheric conditions.

CB radios have also gained a foothold in the maker and DIY communities. Tinkerers modify old CB radios, adding modern features like USB charging ports, digital displays, and integration with smart home systems. This blending of vintage and modern technology is inspiring a new wave of creativity around CB radios.

CB Radio on the Highways and Beyond

One of the most enduring uses of CB radio in the United States remains its role in highway safety. In 2025, the “emergency channel” (Channel 9) is still monitored by CB users and local authorities in many regions. Drivers who find themselves in accidents, lost, or stranded in remote areas can rely on CB radio to call for help.

In states like Montana and Wyoming, where highways stretch for hundreds of miles with little infrastructure, CB radios are often a traveler’s best friend. Some roadside businesses and truck stops still feature CB radio repair shops, keeping the equipment running for those who depend on it.

Stories from the Airwaves

The CB radio community in the U.S. is filled with fascinating stories that demonstrate its enduring relevance. One memorable case occurred during a winter storm in 2025 that left hundreds of motorists stranded on I-80 in Nebraska. Local CB operators coordinated rescue efforts, connecting drivers with emergency responders and providing critical information about weather conditions and road closures. Their quick thinking and coordinated efforts likely saved lives.

Another example is the annual “Route 66 CB Convoy,” an event where CB enthusiasts travel the historic highway, using their radios to share stories, trivia, and navigation tips. The event has grown in popularity, drawing participants from across the country and fostering a sense of nostalgia for both the road and the radio.

A Modern American Tradition

In the United States, CB radio is more than just a communication tool—it’s a cultural artifact, a practical necessity, and a means of fostering community. From truckers on the open road to farmers in remote fields, from urban hobbyists to survivalists preparing for the unexpected, CB radio continues to play a role in everyday life.

As technology races forward, CB radio remains a steady constant, offering simplicity, reliability, and connection in a world that often feels increasingly complex. For Americans who value those qualities, CB radio isn’t just surviving in 2025—it’s thriving.

Citizen Band (CB) radio, once a hallmark of communication for truckers, hobbyists, and survivalists in the 1970s and 80s, remains an enduring piece of technology in 2025. Despite the world’s rapid adoption of smartphones, satellite communication, and internet-connected devices, CB radio holds its ground as a reliable, accessible, and even nostalgic tool for people across the globe. What may surprise many is that it is not merely surviving—it is thriving, adapting to modern uses, and finding new communities of enthusiasts.

CB Radio Around the World

In 2025, an estimated 2.5 million people worldwide continue to use CB radios. In the United States, around 500,000 individuals still turn to CB for its practicality in rural areas and among trucking communities. Across Europe, particularly in Germany, CB radio has gained popularity among outdoor adventurers who use it for camping, hiking, and off-road navigation. Brazil, with its expansive farmlands and remote regions, is witnessing a resurgence in CB radio use, where over 300,000 users rely on it for agricultural coordination, trucking, and local communication.

Interestingly, the appeal of CB radio is not limited to rural or remote areas. Urban hobbyists and retro tech enthusiasts are rediscovering the charm of analog communication. This has led to a small but dedicated wave of younger users entering the CB world, embracing the sense of community and tactile satisfaction that comes with a well-used microphone and a crackling signal.

The Ongoing Relevance of CB Radio

In a world dominated by cutting-edge technology, CB radio continues to offer unique advantages that keep it relevant. Its affordability makes it especially attractive, as CB radios require no subscription fees or costly infrastructure. Moreover, their simplicity is a strength; anyone can use a CB radio with little training, and it doesn’t rely on cellular towers or the internet, making it a dependable tool in areas where modern technology fails.

Perhaps most compelling is the sense of community CB radio fosters. Unlike the often impersonal and fleeting nature of online interactions, CB radio connects people in a way that feels immediate and human. A shared frequency can quickly become a shared bond, whether among truckers swapping road tips, farmers coordinating their efforts, or hobbyists exchanging stories.

CB radio also shines in emergencies. In disaster-prone areas where cell networks can be overwhelmed or destroyed, CB radios become an invaluable lifeline. Their resilience and reliability make them indispensable for those who prioritize preparedness.

CB Radio in Everyday Life

In the trucking industry, CB radios are still indispensable. While logistics apps and GPS have transformed the way trucking companies operate, CB radio remains the tool of choice for real-time updates on traffic, weather, and road conditions. It also continues to be a source of camaraderie among drivers, fostering a unique culture that modern technology cannot replicate.

For farmers in remote areas, particularly in South America and Australia, CB radios provide a practical way to communicate across vast distances. In places where cellular coverage is patchy or nonexistent, farmers use CB to coordinate machinery repairs, share information about crops, or organize community efforts.

CB radio also thrives among outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers, campers, and off-road drivers have adopted CB radios as a reliable tool for navigation and safety in remote areas. The lack of dependence on cellular infrastructure makes it a perfect companion for adventures far from civilization.

At the same time, a growing number of people are rediscovering CB radio as a hobby. The analog simplicity of CB has a certain charm that resonates in an era dominated by digital screens. Clubs and events have sprung up worldwide, bringing together seasoned users and newcomers to share their passion for this enduring technology.

Exciting Case Studies of CB Use

In recent years, CB radio has been at the center of several remarkable stories. During the devastating wildfires in Northern California in 2024, CB radio operators played a crucial role in emergency coordination. When cellular networks became overloaded, local CB enthusiasts stepped in, relaying evacuation instructions and guiding residents to safety zones. Their efforts underscored the life-saving potential of this technology.

In Brazil’s Mato Grosso region, farming cooperatives have made CB radio an essential part of their operations. Farmers use it to organize equipment repairs, plan planting and harvesting schedules, and share vital updates about weather and market conditions. These grassroots communication networks have proven invaluable for improving agricultural productivity in the area.

In Europe, CB radio has found a new audience among outdoor enthusiasts. In 2025, Germany hosted its first CB Adventure Challenge, an event where participants used CB radios to navigate a wilderness trail. The event drew over 2,000 participants and highlighted how CB technology can enhance outdoor adventures while fostering a sense of community.

In Japan, the retro tech movement has embraced CB radio with open arms. Young tech enthusiasts have taken to modifying and modernizing CB radios, incorporating features like Bluetooth connectivity and solar-powered setups. This blend of old and new has revitalized interest in CB, drawing in a fresh generation of users who see it as both a tool and a piece of cultural heritage.

A Call to Join the Waves

For those who have never tried CB radio—or for those who left it behind—it’s time to take another look. CB radio offers a unique blend of practicality, reliability, and nostalgia. Whether you’re a trucker navigating highways, a farmer managing operations, or an adventurer exploring the wilderness, CB radio has something to offer.

More than just a tool, CB radio is a gateway to a community. It connects people in a way that no app or social media platform can. The airwaves are alive with voices, waiting to welcome you. Pick up a radio, tune in, and rediscover the joy of the Citizen Band. The waves are calling—are you ready to answer?