In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-46 means "Assist Motorist" or "Assist Vehicle". It is used to report situations where an officer or unit is providing help to a motorist, such as a stalled vehicle, disabled car, minor accident assistance, or other roadside support.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-46 at 3rd Street and Pine, assisting disabled sedan, no injuries."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 9, notify towing and maintain traffic safety."
In this exchange, the officer communicates that they are assisting a motorist. Using 10-46 allows dispatch to log the activity, coordinate additional support if needed, and ensure officer and public safety while performing the assistance.
Operational Purpose
10-46 is important for maintaining safe and efficient roadways. Quick reporting ensures that officers can manage traffic hazards, provide aid effectively, and coordinate with towing services or other emergency resources. This code also allows dispatch to track unit activity and allocate resources appropriately.
This code is commonly used for routine motorist assistance, including flat tires, dead batteries, locked-out vehicles, minor collisions, or situations where motorists require direction or support.
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-46 ensures officers remain aware of potential hazards while assisting motorists and allows dispatch to manage other units safely. Units may report 10-6 (busy) while engaged, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, and provide location updates with 10-20 to ensure proper coverage and coordination.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies restrict 10-46 to routine vehicle assistance, while others also include traffic hazard management or support for stranded pedestrians. Local protocols may define whether officers must notify dispatch before assisting, the type of documentation required, or the conditions for requesting additional support.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-46 with phrases such as:
- "Assisting motorist."
- "Vehicle aid in progress."
- "Roadside assistance provided."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-46 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-6 (busy), 10-45 (animal carcass/dead animal), and 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby). Together, these codes support organized, safe, and efficient roadside assistance and incident management.