The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is continuing its enforcement push against unauthorized light-emitting diode (LED) signs.
In an action in late-August, the Commission and Virginia-based Seasons 4, Inc., operating as S4 Lights, reached an agreement on the terms of a consent decree in connection with the company’s marketing of customized LED lighting displays used in theme parks, municipalities, botanical gardens, zoos, malls and other venues. The violations of FCC rules were identified as a result of a 2017 investigation by the Commission’s Spectrum Enforcement Division into complaints of unlawful interference emanating from a lighted Christmas tree display at the Columbus, Ohio Zoo and Aquarium.
Under the terms of the settlement, Seasons 4 acknowledges that it marketed the LED signs without the required equipment authorization, labeling and user manual disclosures, in violation of FCC rules. The company will pay a civil penalty of $25,000 and will also implement a comprehensive compliance plan to minimize the risk of future violations.
In 2018, the FCC reached settlements with at least four different companies in connection with similar violations of FCC rules applicable to LED signs. The companies included Kansas-based Next LED signs, Florida-based company Digital Outdoor, distributor Boyce Industries and Canada-based Media Resources.
