Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2023-2027 Question Pool | Topic: G1A
G1A01G1A

On which HF and/or MF amateur bands are there portions where General class licensees cannot transmit?

Deep Dive: G1A01

The correct answer is C: 80 meters, 40 meters, 20 meters, and 15 meters. On these HF and/or MF amateur bands, there are portions where General class licensees cannot transmit. These bands have segments reserved exclusively for Amateur Extra class licensees. General class operators have access to most of these bands but not the Extra-only segments. For General class operators, understanding band restrictions helps ensure legal operation. These restrictions are designed to provide additional privileges for higher license classes.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. 60m, 30m, 17m, and 12m don't have General restrictions in the same way - these bands have different allocation structures. Option B: Incorrect. 160m, 60m, 15m, and 12m - 160m and 60m don't have General restrictions, and the list is incomplete. Option D: Incorrect. 80m, 20m, 15m, and 10m - 10m doesn't have General restrictions, General has full access to 10m.

Exam Tip

General restrictions = 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m have Extra-only segments. Think 'G'eneral = 'G'ets most, but 'E'xtra gets 'E'xclusive segments on these bands. These four bands have portions reserved for Extra class only.

Memory Aid

General restrictions = 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m. Think 'G'eneral = 'G'ets most, but 'E'xtra gets 'E'xclusive segments. These four bands have portions where General cannot transmit.

Real-World Example

As a General class operator, you can use most of the 20-meter band, but the bottom portion (14.000-14.025 MHz) is reserved for Extra class only. Similarly, 80m, 40m, and 15m have Extra-only segments. You must stay in the General-accessible portions of these bands. 10 meters has no such restrictions - General has full access.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool

Subelement: G1A

Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G1 - Commission's Rules

Key Concepts

General class band restrictions Amateur Extra segments HF band allocations License privileges

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G1A topic.