CB Radio 10 Codes: Beginner Guide to CB Talk
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What Are CB Radio 10 Codes?
CB radio 10 codes are short phrases that start with the number “10.” Example: “10-4” means “I understand.” People use 10 codes so they can talk fast and clear over the radio, even if the signal is weak.
These codes are common on Citizen’s Band (CB) radio. CB radio is a short-distance voice radio service that lets regular people talk to each other without a license in the United States. Channel 19 is the most popular channel for drivers.
You will still hear 10 codes today from truck drivers, off-road groups, storm spotters, and hobby radio users with setups that include high quality CB antennas, classic radio CB Galaxy units, and upgrade parts like Tram antennas and heavy-duty antenna CB radio mounts.
Why Do People Use 10 Codes?
A CB radio is not like a phone. You cannot talk at the same time. Only one person can talk on the channel at once. So messages have to be short. You do not want to block the channel.
10 codes act like shortcuts. Instead of saying “What is your location right now?” you can say “What’s your 10-20?”
Common CB 10 Codes and Meanings
Below are some of the most used codes. These can change by area, but this list will make you understandable on most highways.
- 10-1: I can't hear you / bad signal
- 10-2: Signal is good / loud and clear
- 10-4: I understand / OK
- 10-7: I am out of service / busy
- 10-8: I am back in service / available
- 10-9: Repeat that / say it again
- 10-10: Finished talking / standing by
- 10-20: My location is / Where are you?
- 10-33: Emergency traffic only
- 10-36: What time is it?
- 10-42: Ending shift / going off duty (used more by public safety but some CB users say it too)
Example: If someone says “Breaker 1-9, what’s your 10-20?” they are saying “I am calling in on Channel 19, where are you right now?”
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How Were 10 Codes Created?
10 codes started in the 1930s and 1940s in police radio systems. Early radios were weak, and audio was noisy. Saying “10-4” came through clearer than just saying “OK.” The “10” at the front helped the listener know a code was starting.
Later, CB radio users adopted a lot of those codes. Truck drivers used them to warn each other about traffic, road problems, and speed traps. Over time, CB radio culture built its own style of 10 codes and CB slang.
Are 10 Codes Still Used Today?
Yes. CB radios are still used in trucks, off-road groups, farming, and during storms when cell service fails. When disaster hits, a simple radio with a strong CB antenna and a tuned antenna CB radio can still talk when phones die.
Some areas use plain English now, especially police and fire, because not every department used the same exact codes. But in normal CB radio talk, 10 codes like “10-4” and “10-20” are still common.
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How Do I Start Learning 10 Codes?
Step 1. Listen. Do not jump in right away. Step 2. Write down codes you hear often. Step 3. Practice using simple ones like “10-4,” “10-9,” and “10-20.” Step 4. Keep your setup clean. A good radio and a properly tuned antenna make you easier to hear. Many CB users like Galaxy brand CB radios for clear audio and features, plus strong Tram antennas or other high quality CB antennas for range.
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Related Topics
FAQ: CB Radio 10 Codes
What does 10-4 mean?
10-4 means “Message received. I understand you.”
What does 10-20 mean?
10-20 means “location.” If someone asks “What’s your 10-20?” they want to know where you are.
Do I need a license for a CB radio?
No. In the United States, CB is license-free for the public.
Does antenna length matter?
Yes. A properly tuned CB antenna or Tram antenna affects how far your signal travels and how clear you sound.
