10 Codes

CB radio 10 codes are abbreviations that are used to shorten common phrases in radio communication.

 

The 10-codes were created in 1937 as a way to streamline and simplify radio communications for law enforcement officers. Although these codes were initially created for police and public safety use, they were later expanded and adopted by CB radio users. Today, some of these codes, such as 10-4 (meaning "message received") and 10-20 (meaning "location"), remain popular in the CB radio community.

 

Below are the main 10 codes used in the English CB language. These codes allow CB users to communicate efficiently, especially in high-traffic channels or emergencies.

 

This list is not complete and these codes may vary slightly depending on the region or group using them. Reach out to your local CB radio club or fellow CB radio buddies to further enrich your CB language. 

 
Please remember, in an emergency, you should try to communicate as clearly as possible to avoid any misunderstanding. Law enforcement and emergency responders may or may not understand the 10-code language.
 
10-1 Poor signal/reception 10-2 Good signal/reception
10-4 Message received/understood 10-7 Out of service/leaving the air
10-8 In service/available for communication 10-9 Repeat the message
10-10 Transmission completed, standing by 10-13 Advise weather/road conditions
10-17 Urgent business 10-19 Return to base
10-20 What's your location? 10-33 Emergency traffic only
10-36 What's the correct time? 10-42 Traffic accident at my location
10-99 Mission completed 10-100 Need to take a bathroom break
 

You can find examples on how the 10 codes are used during a conversation under the Talk CB Now section.