Methods and apparatus for limiting communication capabilities in mobile communication devices are disclosed. In one illustrative example, a predetermined condition such as an unsatisfactory temperature or a low battery voltage is detected at the mobile communication device. At this time, a communication request for communicating information through a wireless communication network is received through a user interface. If the communication request is for a non-emergency communication, the non-emergency communication is inhibited during the existence of the predetermined condition. If the communication request is for an emergency communication, however, the emergency communication is allowed despite the existence of the predetermined condition. The emergency communication may be allowed at a reduced transmit power and/or using limited coding/modulation methods. The emergency communication may be a "911" voice call or an emergency message. The reception of communications may still be allowed but inhibited upon more adverse conditions.