Official U.S. Government information about theInformation About GPS Jamming
Jamming devices are radio frequency transmitters that intentionally block, jam, or interfere with lawful communications, such as cell phone calls, text messages, GPS systems, and Wi-Fi networks.
Jammers are illegal to market, sell, or use in the United States.
A single violation of the jamming prohibition can result in tens of thousands of dollars in monetary penalties, seizure of the illegal device, and imprisonment.
On February 9, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Enforcement Bureau announced new efforts to clamp down on the marketing, sale, and use of illegal cellphone and GPS jamming devices. As part of the efforts, the FCC released the following materials:
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Press Release
FCC Enforcement Bureau Steps Up Education and Enforcement Efforts Against Cellphone and GPS Jamming
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Educational Poster
Jamming Cell Phones and GPS Equipment is Against the Law!
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Consumer Advisory
CONSUMERS BEWARE: It is Unlawful to Use "Cell Jammers" and Other Equipment that Blocks, Jams, or Interferes with Authorized Radio Communications in the U.S.
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Retailer Advisory
Retailers Advised that the Marketing or Sale of Devices Designed to Block, Jam, or Interfere with Authorized Radio Communications Is Strictly Prohibited in the U.S.
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On October 5, 2011, the FCC announced it had issued 20 enforcement actions against online retailers in 12 states for illegally marketing more than 200 uniquely-described models of jamming devices. Learn more at FCC.gov...
On March 6, 2012, heightened media interest in the topic led the FCC to issue this updated enforcement advisory:
NEW! On October 15, 2012, the FCC announced new enforcement actions against individuals selling signal jamming devices on craigslist.org, warning that the Bureau intends to impose substantial monetary penalties for similar violations going forward. Learn more at FCC.gov...
The FCC also rolled out a new tip line for reporting the use or sale of illegal signal jammers: 1-855-55-NOJAM. Learn more at FCC.gov...
Finally, the FCC updated its March 2012 consumer advisory and translated it into Spanish and Mandarin Chinese:
"We need consumers to be our eyes and ears. Jammers do not just weed out noisy or annoying conversations and disable unwanted GPS tracking, they can prevent 9‑1‑1 and other emergency phone calls from getting through in a time of need."
Michele Ellison, Chief of the Enforcement Bureau, FCC
1-855-55-NOJAM Frequently Asked Questions About GPS Jammers
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT FCC.GOV/JAMMERS:
Learn about applicable laws, recent enforcement actions, and more.
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