GPS blockers – are they legal?
by Fiona Taylor
Are GPS blockers legal? Can you use them?
GPS blocking technology has become big business with the rise in fleet tracking. The number of GPS blockers in use throughout the country is thought to be growing consistently year on year. A UK study was conducted in 2011 and it found that up to 10 blocking instances occurred every day in certain areas. This suggests that there could be thousands of blockers in use across the UK.
What are GPS blockers?
Blockers, or jammers, are devices that can be plugged into the cigarette lighter in a vehicle to block the satellite signals. This will stop any tracking system that is in place being able to see the GPS position of the vehicle.
How do GPS blockers work?
To get an accurate location of a vehicle the tracking system needs to use at least 4 satellites. The signals sent by these satellites allow your tracking system to report where you are. When plugged in to the vehicles cigarette lighter, the gps blockers create a bubble around the vehicle that jams any GPS receiver or transmitter. A vehicle tracking blocker does not require a great deal of power to override the signal.
Are GPS blockers legal to use?
It is not illegal to import, sell, buy or possess them. It is an offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act to “knowingly use” one to block GPS signals. With a potential fine of up to £5,000 when prosecuted the consequences are severe.
Are there any consequences to using a GPS blocker?
There are a couple of reasons that people use blockers;
- if stealing a vehicle the blocker will stop any vehicle tracking from working,
- if the driver wants to work more hours than they are contracted for and don’t want their employer to know where the vehicle is. Maybe they are getting cash in hand for jobs outside of their normal working hours.
However the use of blockers carries a much greater risk than overtired drivers. There have been reported incidents where truck drivers using blockers have affected aeroplane signals and lighthouse warnings, as well as affecting other drivers in their area who are relying on GPS.
It is important to feed this information back to your team, but don’t just buy a tracking system and then tell them that they can’t use a blocker. Get their buy in from the beginning, explain why they system will help you run the business. It is not a big brother device, but a way for you to ensure the drivers safety. Read our blog about tips to implement vehicle tracking and give us a call on 01274 587748 if you have any questions, or need our help.
Fiona Taylor
Fiona Taylor is the Sales Manager at award winning Satmo Vehicle Tracking. If you feel you need help with your fleet, want to gain back control, save some money and time then please get in touch.
