A motorist who has taken the law into his own hands is in hot water. He is accused of utilizing an illegal cell phone signal jammer in his SUV, resulting in a $48,000 fine. The motorist allegedly used the jammer to prevent drivers around him from using their phones, assuming that they were breaking the law and driving while distracted. The jammer prevents phones from receiving and making calls, sending and receiving text messages, and accessing the internet. However, the use of such a device is illegal, as it can interfere with essential emergency calls and disrupt communication signals with emergency services. The motorist’s actions are not only illegal but also potentially harmful, putting the safety of others at risk. The authorities take driving safety seriously, and reckless behavior such as this will not go unpunished.

According to the Federal Communications Commission, Jason R. Humphreys concealed a jammer in his SUV and used it on a daily basis for roughly two years while driving on Interstate 4 in Florida before being caught. Humphreys, who is 60 years old, reportedly confessed to using the jammer, which disrupts electronic communications by transmitting radio signals, in order to prevent drivers who were using their phones from being on the road.

However, the FCC argues that the consequences of his actions were far more serious. By jamming cell phone towers, Humphreys potentially endangered the communication of emergency first responders, which posed a significant risk to public safety.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office spokesman, Larry McKinnon, warned that the moral implications of such actions are extremely hazardous and that they jeopardize public safety.

Vehicle: Sherriff’s deputies allegedly found the cell phone jammer hidden beneath a seat cover in the back seat of Jason Humprehys’ blue Toyota Highlander (pictured)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was alerted to a serious offense in April 2013. Metro PCS, a cell phone provider, reported interference to their cell phone towers between Seffner and Tampa during daily morning and evening commute times.

Upon investigation, the FCC used direction finding techniques to determine that a blue Toyota Highlander SUV driven by Humphreys was emitting strong wideband emissions. The emissions were pinpointed as the source of the interference affecting Metro PCS towers in the area.

The discovery of the blue Toyota Highlander SUV as the source of the interference was a significant breakthrough for the FCC. It allowed them to take action against Humphreys for violating the Communications Act by using an illegal cell phone jammer. This incident highlights the importance of ensuring proper regulation and enforcement of communication technologies to prevent illegal activity and protect the smooth functioning of wireless networks.

Working in collaboration with the Sheriff’s office, agents successfully intercepted a Seffner man suspected of using a cellular phone jammer. As the team approached the vehicle, they reported signal interruption on their two-way radios.

Upon questioning, the driver purportedly confessed to having utilized the jamming device sporadically from 2011 to 2013. He allegedly concealed it beneath the passenger seat cover.

Spokesperson McKinnon relayed that the driver explained how he became increasingly exasperated with observing drivers using their mobile phones behind the wheel, hence the reason for using the jammer.

In Florida, there is no law prohibiting drivers from using a cellular phone for calls whilst on the road. However, one can only text when the vehicle is stationary.”

After the officials seized the jammer, Metro PCS reported that the interference at their towers had stopped. This is because jamming devices are prohibited in the United States due to the risk they pose to the calls of police and other emergency responders.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a $48,000 fine to Humphreys, who now has 30 days to either pay the fine or respond to the FCC in writing. Meanwhile, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has also taken action by filing charges directly against Humphreys with the State Attorney’s Office. Such actions indicate that the government is taking a strong stance against the use of jamming devices and will not tolerate any behavior that jeopardizes the safety and security of emergency responders.