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1. What do these devices do?

These devices are intended to provide a wireless link from the output of a personal stereo or mobile phone to a car radio or domestic FM radio. They are in effect a miniature radio transmitter.

2. Are they legal to use in the UK?

The Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations will legalise the use of certain types of FM transmitter when they come into force on 8 December 2006.

A statement on this can be found at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/exemption/statement/

The Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 can be found at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/isu/licence_exempt/regulations/

3. Which devices are legal to use?

The Regulations set out the technical specifications for legal devices. This is to minimise the risk of interference to other radio devices. In particular, the Regulations set a 50 nanoWatts power limit for legal devices, which limits the distance at which they can broadcast to up to 8 metres.

4. How do I know if I am buying or using a legal device?

Legal FM transmitters carry a CE mark which indicates their approval for sale in the European Union. Some FM transmitters have been manufactured for sale and use specifically in the US. These devices do not carry a CE mark and will remain illegal to use in the UK.

5. Are FM transmitters that are approved for use in the UK legal to use in other European countries?

Ofcom has led negotiations in Europe to develop a harmonised technical approach to the standards which is designed to limit the potential for interference to other radio equipment. The standards have been approved across the European Union and some member states are now in the process of introducing domestic legislation to allow the use of FM transmitters that comply with the standards.

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