Trucker Slang for Police: The Complete CB Dictionary
From bear to plain wrapper, county mountie to Evel Knievel — truckers have dozens of CB radio terms for law enforcement. This is the definitive dictionary of every police-related CB slang term used on the highway, organized by category with real-world examples of how each term is used on channel 19.
O Trucking Editorial Team
Trucking Industry Experts
Fact-Checked by O Trucking Dispatch Team
5+ years dispatching owner-operators with daily CB radio communication across 48 states
This article was written by the O Trucking editorial team with 9+ years of combined trucking industry experience. Learn more about us.
O TruckingTrucker Slang for Police: Full CB Dictionary (2026)
Officer Type Slang
The first category of police slang identifies what type of officer is present. Knowing the type tells you about their jurisdiction and likely focus:
| CB Term | Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Bear | Any police officer | “Bear at the 142” |
| Smokey / Smokey Bear | Police (original term) | “Smokey sitting in the median” |
| Full-grown bear | State trooper | “Full-grown bear running radar” |
| Baby bear | Local/city police | “Baby bear at exit 220” |
| Mama bear / Lady bear | Female officer | “Mama bear in a silver Crown Vic” |
| County mountie | County sheriff/deputy | “County mountie parked at the rest area” |
| Local yokel | Small-town police | “Local yokel running the speed trap” |
| City kitty | City police officer | “City kitty on the overpass” |
| Evel Knievel | Motorcycle officer | “Evel Knievel behind the billboard” |
| Bear in the air | Police aircraft | “Bear in the air between 80 and 95” |
| DOT man / DOT bear | DOT enforcement officer | “DOT man checking papers at the coop” |
| Scale jockey | Weigh station officer | “Scale jockey pulling trucks around back” |
Vehicle & Equipment Slang
These terms describe the officer's vehicle and equipment, helping other truckers know what to look for:
| CB Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Plain wrapper | Unmarked police car |
| Kojak with a Kodak | Officer with radar/speed camera |
| Gumball machine | Patrol car's rotating light bar |
| Bubble gum machine | Patrol car with lights activated |
| Disco lights | LED light bar flashing (newer term) |
| Bear car | Marked police patrol vehicle |
Activity & Situation Slang
These terms describe what the officer is doing and help other drivers assess the situation:
| CB Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bear bite | Received a ticket |
| Bear trap | Speed trap or radar setup |
| Bear cave / Bear den | Police station or patrol office |
| Bear rolling | Police car driving (not stationary) |
| Bear feeding | Officer has someone pulled over |
| Taking pictures | Running radar or laser |
| Got his ears on | Officer is monitoring CB radio |
| Bear watching | Officer observing traffic, not actively enforcing |
| Pulling you over / Light show | Activating lights to initiate a traffic stop |
| Handed a citation | Received a formal ticket |
Regional Variations Exist
Location & Direction Slang
When reporting bears, location and direction terms help other drivers know exactly where to look and who needs to be aware:
| CB Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| At the [number] | At mile marker [number] |
| Sitting in the median | Parked in the center median strip |
| Under the overpass | Hidden beneath a bridge |
| On the shoulder | Parked on the highway shoulder |
| Behind the billboard | Hidden behind a roadside billboard |
| Your side / my side | On your direction of travel / on my direction |
| Eastbound / Westbound | Direction the bear is facing or traffic is flowing |
How to Use These Terms Like a Pro
How to Respond When You Spot a Bear
Beyond knowing the slang, here is how experienced drivers handle bear encounters:
Check your speed immediately — Before reporting, make sure you are at or below the speed limit. Do not slam the brakes — a sudden deceleration signals to the officer that you were speeding.
Report it on channel 19 — Give a clear, concise bear report with direction, mile marker, officer type, and activity. Keep it brief — channel 19 is shared.
Stay compliant — The best bear encounter is one where you have nothing to worry about. Keep your speed legal, your ELD current, and your equipment in good condition. Compliance is the ultimate bear repellent.
For detailed guidance on traffic stops and inspections, see our trucker-police interaction tips guide.
Trucker Police Slang FAQ
Common questions about trucker CB radio slang for police
What is the most common trucker slang for police?
The most common trucker slang for police is 'bear.' This term is used universally on CB channel 19 across the United States. It comes from Smokey Bear, the U.S. Forest Service mascot, whose campaign hat resembles the flat-brimmed hats worn by state troopers. Variations include 'full-grown bear' (state trooper), 'baby bear' (local police), and 'bear in the air' (police helicopter).
What does 'plain wrapper' mean in trucker slang?
Plain wrapper means an unmarked police vehicle. The term refers to a police car that is 'plain' — without the standard markings, paint scheme, or visible light bar of a marked patrol car. Plain wrappers are harder to spot and are used for undercover speed enforcement. On CB radio, a typical report sounds like: 'Watch for a plain wrapper at the 205, dark blue Charger in the right lane.'
What is 'Kojak with a Kodak' in CB slang?
Kojak with a Kodak is CB slang for a police officer operating a speed camera, radar gun, or photo enforcement device. The term references Kojak, the 1970s TV detective played by Telly Savalas, and Kodak, the camera company. The phrase paints a picture of a detective-type figure taking photos of speeders. While the term is older, it is still understood on CB radio today.
What do truckers call DOT officers on CB radio?
Truckers typically call DOT officers 'DOT man,' 'DOT bear,' or 'scale jockey' (if stationed at a weigh station). Some truckers use 'chicken inspector' since DOT officers work at 'chicken coops' (weigh stations). DOT officers are distinct from state troopers because they focus specifically on commercial vehicle compliance — weight, hours of service, equipment condition, and cargo securement — rather than general traffic enforcement.
Need a Dispatch Team That Keeps You Informed?
Our dispatchers communicate proactively about route conditions and compliance. Stay safe and stay legal with O Trucking.