Scosche Industries builds accessories for car audio and consumer electronics, and it’s also created the first (that we’re aware of) legal cell phone blocking system. Unlike cell phone jammers (which have existed for years but are illegal for civilians to use), the Scosche system, called “cellCONTROL,” works via Bluetooth and only with a paired phone.
As Autoblog explains, cellCONTROL is a two-part system, requiring both a smartphone app and a cellCONTROL module to function. When the app is installed on a phone, and the module is plugged into the vehicle diagnostic port, all internet connectivity, inbound and outbound calls and texts are blocked. Tamper with the module, and the account administrator will get a text or e-mail message saying the system has been disabled.
Since the system detects when a vehicle is in motion, it’s smart enough to only block calls when the vehicle is moving. Likewise, calls are allowed when a paired Bluetooth hands-free device is detected.
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The system starts at just under $130, and we see a huge market for both parents and businesses alike. We say it’s a good thing, since distracted driving is an epidemic that is only getting worse, and this seems like one way of addressing it (at least for new drivers). Sadly, the people who need this the most won’t even consider using it, since they don’t perceive themselves as part of the problem. What’s your take? Is this good news or bad?
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.