A trucker uses CB radio to check road conditions.

The use of radio Ten Codes first began in 1937 to deal with the startup delay in old valve-radios which used dynamotors. The code system was widely adopted by police and emergency services across the United States, but not all. Some agencies argued strenuously for the use of plain spoken English.

In 1974, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) widely expanded the Ten Codes to improve the brevity of message traffic and improve standardization between agencies.

Then, in 2005, following Hurricane Katrina, the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) discouraged the use of ten-codes and other radio codes due to their high variability in meaning between agencies. This can waste time and add to confusion in difficult situations where delays or mistakes can be fatal.

But radio Ten Codes remain popular with CB Radio enthusiasts, so, since it has been requested a number of times, I am including a common list of CB Radio 10 Codes for you to look at. I have highlighted the most common 10-Signals in bold type. It could be good for you to understand these, but it would be better if you would use plain English and speak clearly when you press the button to transmit.

That way, your message is sure to get through.

10-1 = Receiving poorly.
10-2 = Receiving well.
10-3 = Stop transmitting.
10-4 = Message received.
10-5 = Relay message to _____
10-6 = Busy, please stand by.
10-7 = Out of service, leaving the air.
10-8 = In service, subject to call.
10-9 = Repeat message.
10-10 = Transmission completed, standing by.
10-11 = Talking too rapidly.
10-12 = Visitors present.
10-13 = Advise Weather/Road conditions.
10-16 = Make pick up at _____
10-17 = Urgent business.
10-18 = Anything for us?
10-19 = Nothing for you, return to base.
10-20 = My location is _____
10-21 = Call by telephone ______
10-22 = Report in person to ______
10-23 = Stand by.
10-24 = Completed last assignment.
10-25 = Can you contact _____
10-26 = Disregard last information.
10-27 = I am moving to channel _____
10-28 = Identify your station.
10-29 = Time is up for contact.
10-30 = Does not conform to FCC rules.
10-32 = I will give you a radio check.
10-33 = Emergency Traffic.
10-34 = Trouble at this station.
10-35 = Confidential information.
10-36 = Correct time is ______
10-37 = Wrecker (Tow-Truck) needed at ______
10-38 = Ambulance needed at ______
10-39 = Your message delivered.
10-41 = Please turn to channel _____
10-42 = Traffic accident at ________
10-43 = Traffic tie up at ______
10-44 = I have a message for you.
10-45 = All units within range please report.
10-50 = Break channel.
10-60 = What is next message number?
10-62 = Unable to copy, use phone.
10-63 = Net directed to ______
10-64 = Net clear.
10-65 = Awaiting your next message/assignment.
10-67 = All units comply.
10-70 = Fire at _____
10-71 = Proceed with transmission in sequence.
10-77 = Negative contact.
10-81 = Reserve hotel room for ______
10-82 = Reserve room for _____
10-84 = My telephone number is ______
10-85 = My address is _______
10-91 = Talk closer to the microphone.
10-93 = Check my frequency on this channel.
10-94 = Please give me a long count (1-10).
10-99 = Mission completed, all units secure.
10-100 = Police needed at ____________

Editor’s note: 10-100 and 10-200 are sometimes used to indicate a toilet break, e.g.
10-100 (Slang) = I am off to the rest room for a Number 1 (a pee, a piss, to urinate).
10-200 (Slang) = I am off to the rest room for a Number 2 (a dump, a crap, to defecate).

While CB Radio operators may play with Ten Codes, Ham Radio operators (that is licensed Amateur Radio operators) will almost never use them. Hams are far more likely to use abbreviations from the Q Codes, which date back to the early 1900s, when Morse Code was the only way to ‘speak’ to anyone on a two-way radio. Ham radio operators are expected to know some of the more common Q-Signals and may be asked them when they do their Amateur Radio exam. And yes, we hams play radio as well. It’s a great hobby!

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