What Does 10-4 Mean? Meaning Behind The Iconic Code

Officer 1: "Suspect in a red sedan, heading east."
Officer 2: "10-4, I'll intercept."

You have probably heard something like this in movies or TV shows. But what does 10-4 mean? Where does it come from? Or how it became a popular part of radio communication across the United States? 

"10-4" is part of the "ten-code" system used by emergency responders. It means "Okay" or "Message received." This system uses numbers to help police, firefighters, and other emergency workers talk to each other quickly and easily.

Today, we will explore what does it mean when someone says 10 4, how it’s used and give some tips on how you can use it if you are going to use a radio.

What Does 10-4 Mean?

10-4 meaning

"10-4" means "message received" or "understood" in radio communication. It's part of a system called "ten-codes" that helps people communicate clearly and quickly. These codes were created in the 1930s by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) to improve police radio communication.

The ten-code system made messages shorter and easier to understand. For example, instead of saying "I understand your message," they could just say 10-4. This code save time and reduced mistakes.

In 1937, APCO said the codes also helped early radios work better, which often had delays. Today, 10 4 is used by police, truckers and even in everyday conversations. It means "okay" or "I understand." It’s still used today because it's simple to understand.

History and Origin of "10-4"

The phrase "10-4" comes from a system called the "10-codes." This system was created in the 1930s by U.S. police departments. The goal was to make radio communication quick and precise.

At that time, radios had limited space for words. So, every word needed to be short and meaningful. 10 4 was created to mean "message received" or "I understand." It helped officers to confirm that they heard and understood each other without saying much.

By the 1950s, truck drivers started using 10-4 too. They used Citizens Band (CB) radios to talk to each other while driving. They needed a fast way to communicate on the road. For example, if one trucker says there’s traffic, the other might reply “10 4” to tell them they understood.

Movies like Smokey and the Bandit (1946) and the song "Convoy" made "10-4" popular. More people started using it, even outside of police or truckers. It became a fun and easy way to say "okay" or "I understand."

Today, people still use "10 4" in everyday conversations. It’s a simple way to show that you agree or understand something.

How 10-4 Is Used Today?

Truck drivers often say "10-4" to tell them they got a message. For example, if one driver says, "There's traffic ahead," the other might reply, "10 4." This helps drivers share information while being focused on the road.

Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics also use "10 4." When dispatchers give instructions, they reply with 10-4 to confirm they heard and understood. This helps everyone stay organized during emergencies.

People sometimes use "10-4" in regular conversations. It means "okay" or "got it." For example, if a friend says, "Let’s meet at the park at 3 PM," you might reply, "10 4." It’s a fun and straightforward way to respond.

"10-4" became famous in pop culture because of a song called Convoy. Truck drivers use CB radios to talk in the song, and 10-4, rubber ducky" became a popular phrase. "Rubber ducky" was a nickname for the lead trucker. The song made 10-4 popular to people everywhere.

How to Respond to 10-4?

10-4 signals that the other person has understood what you said. You don’t need to respond to 10-4. But if you want to, you can by using some common responses: 

"Roger": means "I understand." It's a quick, straightforward way to show you have understood the message.

"Copy that": Another way to say you received the message. It's like saying, "I hear you."

"10-4": You can also reply with "10-4" to express that understanding.
For example:

If you're talking to a fellow driver on the radio and you ask, 'Hey [Callsign], can you watch out for any icy spots ahead?' and they reply, '10-4, anything else I should be aware of?'

You might respond with, 'Yeah, there’s a sharp turn coming up in about a mile, just wanted to give you a heads up.'

If the other person simply replies '10-4,' they understand and you don't need to say anything else. You can finish your message by saying '10-4, over' if you want to signal that you're done speaking."

Related Radio Terms and Codes

People use special codes and terms in radio communication to talk clearly and quickly. Here are other popular codes, terms, and radio slang used in radio communication:

Popular 10-Codes in Radio Communication

10-codes are short codes used in radio communication. Here are some popular 10-codes that help people communicate clearly and quickly:

10-1: Poor Reception

This means the signal is weak or unclear.

Example: "10-1, your message isn’t clear. Please repeat."

10-4: Acknowledged

This means the message has been received and understood.

Example: "10-4, message received, I’ll proceed with the task"

10-6: Busy

This indicates that the person is currently occupied and cannot respond immediately.

Example: "I’m 10-6, I’ll call you back once I'm free"

10-7: Out of Service

This means the person is temporarily unavailable.

Example: "I’m 10-7 for an hour. I’ll check back later."

10-8: Available

This signals that the person is ready to communicate.

Example: "10-8, I’m ready to assist."

10-12: Stand By

This means the person is requesting to hold off or wait for further instructions.

Example: "10-12, please hold for a moment while I check."

10-13: Weather Conditions

This code is used to report or inquire about the current weather.

Example: "10-13, the weather is snowy and visibility is low."

10-17: Enroute

This means the person is on their way to a location.

Example: "10-17, I’m enroute to the scene now"

10-20: Location

This asks someone for their location.

Example: "What’s your 20? I need to know where you are."

10-25: Report to

This asks someone to report to a particular person or location.

Example: "10-25, report to the command center immediately."

Common Radio Terms

Common radio terms are used to confirm messages. These simple terms make it easier to talk on the radio, especially when a lot is going on:

  • Roger:
    This means “I heard and understood your message.”
    Example: "Roger that, I’m on my way."

  • Over
    This signals that the speaker is done talking and waiting for a reply.
    Example: "Let me know your location, over."

  • Copy That
    This confirms that a message is understood.
    Example: "Copy that, I’ll handle it."

Fun Radio Slang

Fun radio slang makes conversations more interesting and playful. Here are some terms that truck drivers and people use on radios for fun:

  • Rubber Duck
    This is a playful term for the group leader.
    Example: "The rubber duck is leading the convoy through traffic."

  • Bear
    This is slang for a police officer, often used by truck drivers.
    Example: "There’s a bear ahead near the speed trap. Be careful."

  • Alligator
    This means to tire debris on the road, which looks like an alligator.
    Example: "Watch out for the alligator on the highway."

These codes and terms help make radio conversations faster and more straightforward. So people can share crucial information quickly and clearly

Frequently Asked Questions

The code "10-4" can be heard in radio communication. But there are some questions and myths about it. Let’s clear them up one by one:

What does 10 4 mean in police code?

10-4 is a special code used by police and emergency workers. It means "Okay" or "I heard you." They use it to show that they understand the message someone just said.

Does "10-4" Mean Goodbye?

No, 10 4 does not mean goodbye. It means "I understand" or "message received." When someone says "10-4," they confirm they heard and understood the message. It’s not a way to say goodbye.

Why Do People Use "10-4" Instead of "OK"?

"10-4" is used for clarity. It comes from a system called "10-codes." These codes were created to make radio communication quick and easy to understand. Saying 10-4 removes any confusion, even when the radio signal is weak.

What Are Other Common 10-Codes?

The "10 codes" are short phrases used by people communicating over radio. Here are a few common ones:
10-1: Poor signal.
10-2: Clear signal.
10-3: Stop talking.
10-5: Pass the message along.
10-6: Busy, please wait.
10-7: Not available.
10-8: Available.
10-9: Repeat the message.
10-20: What’s your location?
These codes help people share information quickly and clearly.

Is "10-4" a Military Term?

No, "10-4" is not from the military. It was first used by police in the 1930s. While the military has its codes, 10-4 was made for civilian use, especially in law enforcement.

Does "10-4" Have a Hidden Meaning?

No, there is no hidden meaning behind "10-4." It simply means "message received." That’s all there is to it.

Final Words

We have explained so far what does the term 10-4 mean. It’s not just bound to radio communication, it’s used for various uses now.

It was initially developed for police work or trucking. But now "10-4" is a simple, efficient way to confirm understanding.

So, the next time you hear 10-4, remember it’s not just a radio code but a reminder of the power of simple communication in a complex world