Chicago,

You were probably seeing the Motorola branded GMRS and FRS handheld radios. If they have 22 channels with PL, or private line codes, then they are the GMRS/FRS combo radios. GMRS allows for up to a 10 mile range depending upon multiple variables. You need a license for GMRS, which can be done on-line through FCC.gov The FCC charges $80 USD for the license and you cannot use certain frequencies along the Canadian border due to potential harmful interference. For more information on these units try www.gmrs.org and www.frs.org I hope this helps.

Stargazer