Remote jamming, which is a type of signal jamming, is the act of disrupting the signal between your car’s key fob and its locking function. Criminals can stop your car from locking and can gain access to it once you’re out of sight.
In the last few months of 2025, SAPS logged 18,068 cases of "theft-out-of-motor-vehicle". So many of these criminals now use remote jamming devices, enabling them to get into your car without any signs of forced entry. In this FAQ, we’ll discuss remote jamming techniques, vehicle protection methods, and how Cartrack can prevent you from being the next jamming victim.
Anti-jamming techniques include:
Yes, you can detect a signal jammer if you have the right technologies incorporated. With Cartrack’s tracking units, a change or disruption in signal means that the device has been jammed, which will alert you, alert the Cartrack control room, and redirect to the Cartrack Tag.
A remote jamming device is a piece of technology that disrupts the signal between your car key fob and the car itself, stopping your car from successfully locking. A jamming device essentially creates an extreme, congested signal, which confuses and drowns out the signal between the key and the car.
You would know if your key fob has been jammed by:
Yes, a jamming device can effectively block your tracker, allowing a thief to steal your vehicle. This is known as GPS jamming. It allows carjackers to disrupt your GPS tracking signal and block the location of the car, making it harder for it to be seen and found.
If your car won’t lock in a public parking lot, you should:
Yes, remote jamming does work on house gates and garage doors too, as these also typically rely on signal communication to operate. To ensure your home is safe from criminals, watch as your house gate and garage door close completely before walking off. You can also physically tug at the gate & door to check that they’re locked.
Yes, there are anti-jamming car alarms you can install in your car. These alarms are triggered when your signal has been jammed, setting off a siren-like sound to make absolutely sure you’re alerted (and potentially scare away the criminals too!).
Cartrack assists with remote jamming by offering the Cartrack Tag, which is a portable backup tracker that uses different technology to transmit its location. We also have a highly trained recovery team and air support that works 24/7/365 to help find your vehicle.
Whether or not your insurance will pay out for theft via remote jamming depends on your policy, but they likely won’t. Most insurers need evidence of forced entry and see it as your responsibility to ensure your car is locked. Your case gets even weaker if you’ve left your belongings unconcealed on the seats.
Fleet managers can protect trucks from signal jammers by encouraging practical safety measures and vigilance amongst drivers, as well as implementing a safety approach with many layers. Cartrack offers the Cartrack Tag, which is a strong technological solution that acts as a powerful backup device.
Yes, a jammer can block a camera or a dashcam. These technologies are usually connected via a cellular or WiFi network, emitting frequencies that can be disrupted by a jamming device.
