Breaker one-nine, breaker one-nine—anybody got their ears on?

If that phrase sounds familiar, you might be a fan of Smokey and the Bandit (1977), Convoy (1978), or even Dukes of Hazzard. These classic films and TV shows cemented the CB (Citizens Band) radio as an iconic tool of truckers, outlaws, and good ol’ boys trying to stay one step ahead of the law. But in today’s world of smartphones, GPS tracking, and satellite communications, does the CB radio still have a place in the cab of modern truckers and road warriors?

The Rise and Fall of CB Culture

CB radios hit their peak in the 1970s, thanks in large part to movies like Smokey and the Bandit and the country hit “Convoy” by C.W. McCall, which romanticized the CB’s role in a trucker’s life. These radios weren’t just about communicating with fellow drivers; they were a lifeline on the road. Drivers used them to warn each other about “smokeys” (police officers), road hazards, and traffic jams—all without a cell phone in sight.

CB lingo became part of pop culture, with phrases like:

• “10-4, good buddy” (Message received)
• “Bear in the air” (Police aircraft watching for speeders)
• “Got your ears on?” (Are you listening?)
• “We got ourselves a convoy!” (A group of truckers traveling together)

During the gas shortages of the 1970s, CB radios became even more popular as truckers coordinated routes to find fuel and avoid long lines. The FCC deregulated CB licensing in 1975, leading to an explosion of users, from truckers to suburban dads pretending they were The Bandit in their Trans Am.

But by the late 1980s and into the 1990s, CBs started losing ground. The rise of cell phones, GPS, and other digital communication tools meant truckers had faster, clearer, and more private ways to communicate. The once-lively airwaves became quieter, and CBs seemed destined for obsolescence.

The Resurgence of CB Radios

Despite their decline, CB radios never completely disappeared—and they might be making a comeback. Several factors have led to their continued use and even a renewed appreciation among truckers and off-road enthusiasts.

1. Reliability in No-Signal Zones

Unlike cell phones, which depend on network towers, CB radios work anywhere with a power source. That’s why they remain a staple for long-haul truckers, especially in rural areas or during severe weather when cell networks might go down.

2. Avoiding Big Brother

With the rise of electronic logging devices (ELDs) and telematics, some truckers see CBs as a way to communicate without corporate oversight. GPS-tracked fleet communication systems can log everything a driver does, but a quick CB chat about road conditions? That stays off the record.

3. Emergency Use

CB radios are still valuable during emergencies, whether it’s alerting other drivers to an accident ahead or calling for help in a dead zone. Some survivalists and preppers have also embraced CBs as part of their communication plans in case of a large-scale power or network failure.

4. The Off-Roading and RV Community

Off-roaders, Jeep clubs, and RVers have kept CB culture alive, using it for group communication during off-road trips or long convoys across the country. Just like in Convoy, rolling with a pack is always easier when you can talk to each other.

5. Nostalgia and the Collector Market

Vintage CB radios and classic rigs like the Cobra 29 LTD have gained a following among collectors and old-school truckers who miss the golden days of CB chatter. There’s even a niche market for custom-built CB setups, complete with classic-style microphones and LED-lit radio faces.

Will CBs Ever Be King Again?

While CB radios won’t replace smartphones or fleet management software, they aren’t going extinct anytime soon. They remain a practical, no-frills way to communicate on the road—especially when big tech fails.

And who knows? With the recent interest in 1970s and ’80s nostalgia, maybe Hollywood will bring back another Smokey and the Bandit-style film, inspiring a whole new generation of CB enthusiasts. Until then, for those who still have their ears on, the airwaves are open.

10-4, good buddy!