What Is a 49.04 Police Code? 49.04 Police Code

The 49.04 police code meaning for the police forces is Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).

The 49.04 police code is an important shorthand used by law enforcement agencies to indicate a specific criminal offense—Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). This code is part of a structured system of numeric identifiers that help police officers communicate quickly, clearly, and without confusion during traffic stops, dispatch calls, and written reports. If you’re asking, “What is 49.04 police code?”, the answer is straightforward: it refers to the offense of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, commonly known as DWI.

The 49.04 code is frequently used in jurisdictions such as Texas and aligns with Section 49.04 of the Texas Penal Code, which states that a person commits the offense of Driving While Intoxicated when they are operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. In this context, “intoxicated” means not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to the consumption of alcohol, a controlled substance, or any other impairing agent. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more also constitutes legal intoxication.

History and Purpose of Police Codes like 49.04

Police codes, including 49.04, were originally developed between 1937 and 1940 through efforts like the APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials) Ten Signals, and were later expanded for improved efficiency in communication. These codes allow law enforcement officers to relay complex messages quickly using standardized numerical language. For example, rather than radioing a long explanation such as “We have a driver suspected of being intoxicated,” officers simply report a “49.04” to indicate a DWI incident.

This coding system minimizes miscommunication, especially in high-stress situations, and ensures that law enforcement personnel across different units and jurisdictions are aligned in their understanding of offenses.

What Is Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)? Explained Under 49.04 Police Code

Driving While Intoxicated, as covered under the 49.04 police code, is a serious traffic violation that can lead to arrest, license suspension, criminal charges, and heavy fines. The offense may also involve additional legal consequences if the driver is found with a high BAC, causes injury or death, or has prior DWI convictions.

In many states, including Texas, 49.04 DWI charges may escalate from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the severity and circumstances. For example, driving while intoxicated with a child passenger under the age of 15 or being involved in a crash that results in injury could lead to significantly enhanced penalties.

Why Understanding the 49.04 Police Code Matters

Whether you are a law enforcement student, a legal professional, or simply a concerned citizen wanting to understand how police codes work, knowing the meaning of police code 49.04 is essential. It helps you recognize the shorthand used in scanner feeds, law enforcement reports, and legal discussions regarding impaired driving offenses.

If you’re researching what is 49.04 Police Code?, remember that this code specifically points to Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and plays a critical role in helping law enforcement maintain order and safety on the roads.

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Introduction to the 49.04 Police Code: Your Trusted Police Code Resource

Welcome to All Police Codes—your go-to destination for understanding police communication and radio signals used by law enforcement agencies across the United States. One of the most critical and widely recognized codes used in police radio systems is the 49.04 Police Code, which stands for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Our comprehensive guide is designed to help you explore the meaning, purpose, and importance of this code in real-world law enforcement operations.

This website is a free public resource built for individuals who want to understand how officers communicate quickly and effectively during emergencies. Whether you’re a civilian, a student of criminal justice, or a professional in public safety, you’ll find in-depth information here about how police codes like 49.04 function in daily policing.

What the 49.04 Police Code Means and Why It Matters

The 49.04 Police Code is used by law enforcement officers to indicate a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offense. This shorthand code allows officers to communicate a serious situation involving an impaired driver without needing to recite a lengthy description over the radio. In high-pressure scenarios—especially those involving public roadways—clarity and speed are essential, and this is exactly what the use of police codes achieves.

By saying “49.04,” officers instantly relay the nature of the incident to dispatch and other units, enabling a faster and more coordinated response. Driving while intoxicated poses significant risks to public safety, and this code helps ensure such offenses are handled swiftly and effectively.

The Evolution and Purpose of Police Radio Codes

Police codes like 49.04 didn’t just appear overnight—they are the result of decades of communication innovation. The use of standardized police signals began between 1937 and 1940, led by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO). The system was further developed in 1974 to expand and modernize radio communications for a growing number of emergency services.

The idea behind radio brevity codes is simple: reduce the chance of miscommunication while speeding up information transfer. Interestingly, the foundation of these codes stems from Morse code practices used by the U.S. Navy. In 1935, APCO adapted Morse communication procedures for police use, laying the groundwork for today’s highly effective voice radio code system.

Real-Life Use of 49.04 and Other Police Codes

The 49.04 Police Code is just one of many used daily by emergency personnel. These codes are transmitted via police radio systems and can often be heard using a police code scanner. If you’re a radio enthusiast or simply curious about how emergency services operate, listening to these communications offers a fascinating glimpse into real-time law enforcement activity.

Police codes are also deeply woven into law enforcement culture. For example, when an officer retires, a symbolic message is broadcast: “10-7” (Out of Service), followed by “10-42” (End of Tour of Duty). These ceremonial codes reflect the emotional and symbolic weight these radio signals carry beyond just functional communication.

Why We Provide Free Access to Police Code Information

At All Police Codes, we are committed to providing free, accurate, and continually updated information about police signals and communication systems, including detailed insights into the 49.04 Police Code. We offer this resource out of respect for the dedicated men and women in law enforcement and in the belief that public knowledge contributes to greater safety and understanding.

To maintain the site and support our mission, we use advertising to cover operational expenses—but access to our content will always remain free. From DWI codes to the full spectrum of U.S. police signals, our platform is here to educate, inform, and support those who want to better understand how emergency services operate every day.

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