CB radio has its own language — a fun, efficient shorthand that keeps communication fast and clear on busy channels. In 2026, the classic 10-codes and trucker slang are still going strong, especially on Channel 19 (the trucker channel).
Essential CB Lingo (2026 Edition)
- 10-4 – Message received / OK
- 10-7 – Out of service / off the air
- 10-20 – Location (“What’s your 20?”)
- 10-33 – Emergency traffic
- 10-36 – Correct time
- Breaker 1-9 – Request to break into a conversation on Channel 19
- Bear – Police officer
- Smokey – State trooper
- Full-grown bear – Highway patrol
- Bear bite – Speeding ticket
- Kojak with a Kodak – Radar trap
- Wall-to-wall & treetop tall – Very strong signal
- Got your ears on? – Are you listening?
CB Etiquette Basics
- Channel 9 = emergencies only (no chit-chat).
- Channel 19 = trucker/road info channel — keep it about traffic, weather, accidents.
- Keep transmissions short (“short & sweet”).
- Use “10-4” to acknowledge, not “copy that” (CB tradition).
- No profanity on open channels — FCC can fine you.
- Be courteous — “Come back” means “repeat your last transmission.”
Mastering CB lingo makes you sound like a pro and earns respect on the air.
Retevis MB3A 40-Channel AM/FM CB Radio Kit – Long Range Trucker Radio with Antenna, 12V/24V Cigarette Lighter, Noise Limiter, PA, Emergency Channels 9/19, Cooling System
AT-500M Ⅱ CB Radio Kit with 27MHz Magnetic Antenna, AM/FM Mobile CB Radio, 40 Channels, NRC Digital Noise Cancelling, NB/ANL, VOX Hands-Free, NOAA, for Trucking & Off-Road
$139.99 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Key-BAK MIC-BAK CB Radio Retractable Tether, 36" Kevlar Cord, 8" Nylon Attachment Loop, D-Ring Mount Included (0KR3-4A11)
$13.46 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Cobra 29LX AM/FM Professional CB Radio - Emergency Radio, Travel Essentials, NOAA Weather Channels and Emergency Alert System, Selectable 4-Color LCD, Auto-Scan, Black
$199.95 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, 500-Alpha-Tagged Channels, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, Racing, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety.
$110.00 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Electronic CW Code Key Iambic Keyer Mini Portable Brass Resin Telegrapher Paddle - Responsive Electronic Straight CW Keyer for Ham Radio Enthusiasts
$36.98 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Mcbazel Surecom SW-102 Digital VHF/UHF 125-525Mhz Antenna Power & SWR Meter
$54.99 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
1 Set Adjustable Universal CB Radio Mount Bracket Set for CB/Ham Radio & Scanners, 6-10 inch Width
$9.99 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Cobra 75 All Road Wireless CB Radio - Dual-Mode AM/FM, Full 40 Channels, Bluetooth Connectivity, Digital Noise Cancellation, Waterproof, Instant Channel 9, 4-Watt Output, Easy to Operate, Black
$199.95 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Retevis MB1 40 Channel CB Radio, Noise Cancellation Long Range Mobile Radio, with CB Antenna and Cigarette Lighter, Emergency Channel 9/19, 7-Color Screen, Auto-Scan, External Speaker Jack for Trucker
$95.99 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)