These kind of radios have become quite popular, although not the same as CB.

http://www.midlandradio.com/comersus/store/comersus_listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?idCategory=135

Some channels and some higher transmitter power levels require an FCC license in the USA. Generally one license would apply to family members as well.

An organized group might use certain settings so that the group has the option of listening only to each other rather than all radio chatter.