Cellular phone technology, smartphones in particular, have changed the world. In the blink of an eye, a smartphone user can access tidal waves of information, global navigation, and seemingly endless social and entertainment options. However, your little pocket computer is also a potentially deadly distraction while driving. As a result, one Florida man endeavored to shut things down with a signal jammer. But the FCC found him and proposed huge fines for his cell signal vigilanteism. 

The FCC served a Florida man with fines of nearly $50,000 for jamming cell phones for as much as two years

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) slapped a 60-year-old Florida man with hefty fines for his use of cell phone signal jamming technology. According to the FCC, Jason R. Humphreys used a cell signal jammer as he drove to and from work every day. Although the exact period isn’t clear, the regulatory agency estimates that Humphreys used the jammer most days for 16 to 24 months.

Humphreys would drive along Interstate 4 between Tampa and Seffner on his commute. All the while, his jammer was nestled behind the passenger seat, disrupting cell phone signals as he drove. Eventually, however, a major cell phone provider received a few too many complaints about service disruptions along the highway. 

FCC agents turned to special detection techniques to narrow the search down to the lone Florida man and his SUV. Needless to say, the FCC takes jamming technology very seriously. Travis LeBlanc, the then-Enforcement Bureau Chief, said, “This case highlights the danger posed to public safety by use of a single signal jamming device, which can disrupt all wireless and public safety communications in the area. These devices may not be used by the public under any circumstances.”

In theory, Humphreys’ heart was in the right place. After all, distracted driving is a serious issue. The NHTSA estimates that distracted driving is a primary factor in 8% of fatal crashes in the United States. However, that doesn’t give the 60-year-old Florida man a pass to jam cell phone signals around his vehicle. I don’t have to tell you that cell phones are vital, when used with hands-free technology, for navigation and reporting emergencies. Maybe a little less Batman and a bit more put your damn phone down. Just saying.