Man Fined $48k For Using Cell Phone Jammer To Stop Talking, Texting And Driving

One Florida man named Jason R. Humphreys is being fined for using a cell phone jammer during his daily commute to work in order to stop all the distracted and texting drivers around him.

In a related report by The Inquisitr, one texting driver hit a cyclist with her car and caused severe lifelong spinal injuries, but instead of showing remorse all she was complain about the damage to her car. Another texting driver sent a Facebook comments telling everyone how happy she was… seconds before died in a car accident that police suspect was caused by the texting and driving.

In response to incidents like these, lawmakers have proposed texting and driving laws that most people tend to ignore. For example, while texting and driving is illegal in Florida, drivers can still talk on their cell phones even without using a hands-free kit. The Apple iPhone series may solve the talking and driving problem by using the integrated GPS to determine when someone is moving at high speeds and then automatically disable the ability to send a text. But Humphreys apparently felt a better solution was to take the law upon himself and force everyone around him off their cell phones.

Based upon the current laws, the FCC only allows cell phone jammers to be used by law enforcement, regardless of whether or not their intent is to make driving on Florida’s highways a bit safer for everyone:

“[T]here have been various press reports about commuters using cell phone jammers to create a ‘quiet zone’ on buses or trains. We caution consumers that it is against the law to use a cell or GPS jammer or any other type of device that blocks, jams, or interferes with authorized communications, as well as to import, advertise, sell, or ship such a device. The FCC Enforcement Bureau has a zero tolerance policy in this area and will take aggressive action against violators.”

The FCC is not kidding about this warning. Humphreys was tracked down because cell phone carrier Metro PCS notice a certain section of I-4 near Tampa would experience regular interference during the morning and evening commute times of the weekdays. The FCC and sheriffs tracked the interference down to a blue SUV and when they searched it they found an illegal cell phone jammer behind a seat cover on the backseat. Humphreys even admitted he had been using the device for almost two years, and although the FCC could have charged him up to $337,000 the total fine will be $48,000.

Do you think both talking and driving and texting and driving should be banned in the United States?