Fed Revises Statutes?

[Minotaur]

Guys,

I am a long time reader, but a first time poster. Here is my question: I have used radar detectors since my Dad got his first fuzz buster. Some states outlawed them but others left them alone. Radar jammers quickly (relatively, for a federal law) were outlawed at the federal level superseding the State Statutes. Detectors have been left alone at that level but clearly transmitters that actively jammed were off the table (there were however plans for them in magazines like Popular Electronics. )

I may be wrong, but it appears Lidar - IR Laser is going the same way. The detectors have been outlawed in a few states. Now active LIDAR jamming is getting a toe hold. So....I don't want to believe it, but why wouldn't we believe that as soon as municipalities start recognizing the trend that the Feds will draw the parallels with active radar countermeasures and enact the same laws for LIDAR / IR Laser? I don't see this as any different with the exception of the amount of money I have invested is a lot greater. I hate the logic but don't see a flaw. Opinions? Have I missed something that fundamentally changes the equation?


Thanks.

[djrams80]

LIDAR is regulated by the FDA, not the FCC. Basically, they are probably more worried about doctors burning patient's eyes out, than us. Laser jammers have been outlawed by several states however.
http://www.guysoflidar.com/usa-laser-jammer-laws.html

[blove30]

Even the states that are illegal for laser jammers, from what I have read on this forum.. The fines are about $99 bucks if you get caught. Not a huge price to pay for piece of mind.

[Ovencleaner]

Even the states that are illegal for laser jammers, from what I have read on this forum.. The fines are about $99 bucks if you get caught. Not a huge price to pay for piece of mind.

Some states are a class C though. I think Utah is class B?

[Minotaur]

True the FDA has jurisdiction on lasers, but I don't see how that stops Congress from making a law (similar to radar jammers). Don't we have to differentiate between jurisdiction and enforcement? There were radar jammer laws in some states before the Feds stepped in there as well. At the Legislative level, they can make laws for any jurisdiction. Why would the Feds leave this alone? Ideas?

[SuperSalad]

Even if they did outlaw them they are so popular now that I doubt people will stop buying them. On top of that as far as I know they are undetectable and you can turn them off when you get down to speed so they will never even know you have a laser jammer since they can get a speed reading.

I don't see the laser jammer market going away anytime soon no matter what laws they bring against them. It is just too easy to conceal them. On top of that several laser jammer companies are based in other countries so the US can't really shut them down.

Just my 2 cents.

-SuperSalad

[hockey005]

wat are those jammers you talk about? My parking sensors are amazing tho

[jimbonzzz]

The feds never "outlawed radar jammers" specifically. Radar jammers have always been illegal, since the communications act of 1934, which is long before radar was even used. Radar jamming falls under "causing malicious interference to a licensed radio service". Individual who operate jammers can be prosecuted under this law.

Some states have passed their own laws. These are redundant, but might make it easier for them to prosecute locally.

The FDA regulates laser in a much different manner. As far as laser jammers go, the only real requirements is for manufacturers. They are supposed to test their products to make sure they are compliant with eye safety standards, and label them as required. The FDA does not get directly involved with this process at all, it is mostly the "honor system". They only get involved if someone reports a product that doesn't meet standards. And for that matter, they also have laws in place for radar and other devices that emit "radiation" to protect the public.

Sure, they -could- pass a laser jammer law on the federal level. Or they might just leave that up to the states.

[Rottman]

I sure hope the Feds don't get involved.....