Laser pointer laws and regulations This section includes these pages: International (non-U.S.) laws U.S. national, state and local laws Laser pointer permits - A list of regulations requiring permits to acquire, import, use and/or possess a laser pointer An analysis and status of HR 386 - U.S. law in 2011-2012 Congress "Laser" means any device that projects a beam or point of light by means of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation or any device that emits light which simulates the appearance of a laser. Contact us. (1) As used in subsection (2), the term "laser lighting device" means a handheld device, not affixed to a firearm, which emits a laser beam that is designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark, or identify a specific position, place, item, or object. In the past, physicians and medical lasers were generally exempt from most state requirements. Adopted and passed as an emergency ordinance July 20, 1998. Laser pointers or devices offered for distribution, sale or barter that do not have the proper proof of wattage limitations are subject to immediate confiscation as contraband. The limits to their uses are generally only limited by a person's imagination, and of course, state and federal law. 574.110. Summary of the laser safety related regulatory trends obtained following a polling of the state agencies concerned with laser activities. (1) As used in subsection (2), the term "laser lighting device" means a handheld device, not affixed to a firearm, which emits a laser beam that is designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark, or identify a specific position, place, item, or object. Review of the current trends at the state or local level regarding laser pointer regulatory and/or enforcement activities. Copyright 2023, Thomson Reuters. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, on this 25th day of August, 1998. "Law enforcement officer" means any police officer, peace officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, correctional officer, probation or parole officer, emergency management employee, judge, magistrate, or any employee of a governmental agency who is authorized by law to engage in the investigation, arrest, prosecution, or supervision of the incarceration of any person for any violation of law and has statutory powers of arrest. The AN/SEQ-3 Laser Weapon System or XN-1 LaWS is a laser weapon developed by the United States Navy.The weapon was installed on USS Ponce for field testing in 2014. In most countries, the purchase and ownership of lasers are legal. Each year, Ocean City experiences incidents in which a vessel, plane or helicopter is illegally targeted with a laser pointer operated in Ocean City, and often purchased in Ocean City. If the act renders the pilot unable to safely operate the aircraft or causes serious physical injury to any person on board the aircraft it is an assault pursuant to this chapter. This website uses cookies to deliver some of our products and services as well as for analytics and to provide you a more personalized experience. In New York, for example, it's a misdemeanor for someone to give, sell or even offer to sell a laser pointer to anyone who is 18 years old or younger. No laser scope/pointer (1) The laser pointer is temporarily transferred to the minor for an educational or other lawful purpose and the minor is under the direct supervision of a parent, legal guardian, teacher, employer or other responsible person seventeen (17) years of age or older; or. There are three main ways: What about projectors said to be simple for audience scanning? 8pF>]8+N,c}~YP K1u.%imr$9b!iy'G v46>TZ+}EBXY*Q#iF4/S3MK\TM^(QYP;x[hhazrOrg"}hkP!/s7M}gQ\Bg^) 9&b'bc}cI?8JakW0W/VlA\W&>}J-w%0bf~Mq_m"M5t|,+V(b)\&NM0iZ`Gr]',G||6%G/A/tAo# You may have an addiction a habit of watching YouTube videos of kittens catching laser pointers. A person who violates this act shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $500 for the first offense and not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed thirty (30) days, in the [sic -- missing word?] In theory this can work if the laser power and beam divergence are at a known, fixed value that cannot be exceeded. To the Senate:Pursuant to Article V, Section I, Paragraph 14 of the New Jersey Constitution, I am returning Senate Bill No. Georgia Senate Bill 441 passed the Senate Feb. 27 2012 by a vote of 43 to 4 (with 5 Senators not voting and 4 Senators excused). (1) It is unlawful for any person to focus, or shine a laser pointer directly or indirectly onto another person or animal in any manner. In the NJ Criminal Code, under N.J.S.A. 10-134.2 Lorelei Salas, Commissioner, Department of Consumer Affairs William J. Bratton, Commissioner, Police Department City of New York, Bill de Blasio , Mayor (5) Aiming the beam at any reflecting device such as mirrors, lenses, polished surfaces and similar items in such a manner as to cause the beam to be redirected or amplified in a manner which may violate any of the above provisions. Below is the text of Governor Christie's, NEW YORK STATE: Illegal to aim a laser at an aircraft, or its flight path, OKLAHOMA: Laser Safety Act, $100 for first violation, $500 for second, 21 O.S. We are presenting it as it appears in the United States Code, which lists U.S. laws. US: FDA/CDRH recommends aircraft/vehicle caution label. To find out more, check Rockwell Laser Industries' list of state laser safety contacts. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration "will pursue the toughest penalties" against persons who deliberately aim lasers at aircraft, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced on May 16 2012. for Devices and Radiological Health (21CFR 1040.10 and Laws & Regulations of Laser Operation in the United States (does not include non-laser devices) *always check your state website, malpractice carrier* This document is meant to serve as a guide to find the information for your statenot as a set of rules to follow in your practice. In addition, it is difficult or impossible for . refers to the rapid spreading out of laser light in such a manner as to avoid concentration of such light into a beam. Laser safety tech info / Calculations, classifications, data / ion-ios-calculator, Laser safety studies // ion-pie-graph, 2002: Understanding levels of vision loss, 2006: Countering laser pointer threats to road safety. For example, New Jersey has enacted stringent penalties that criminalize aiming laser pointers at any vehicle, including an airplane. Technically this applies only to "pointers", and laser light shows are different from pointers as defined in the law. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) study shows a majority of the dinky laser pointers on the market exceed the power level limits set by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), reports Slate. FAA has directed its staff not to seek warning notices or counseling, but to use "moderately high civil penalties" for inadvertent laser illuminations, and maximum penalties for deliberate violations. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. Under FDA regulations, a laser light show projector cannot be sold unless the buyer has applied for AND RECEIVED a variance from FDA, allowing the buyer to perform a laser light show. When FDA receives your report, they will issue an Accession Number.. Editor's notes. E. Perspectives & Opinions / Informed advice / ion-quote. (b) Law enforcement exemption. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. Washington, DC 20591 (2) Aiming the beam at or toward any person without their consent and/or knowledge, or into or near the eyes of any person regardless of consent or knowledge. Queensland Police: Not a weapon and no laws specifically covering laser pointers. The illegal use of laser pointers creates risks and dangers for those targeted by the beam of the laser, as well as for the citizens of Ocean City. But if a child is using the laser pointer, it will typically require supervision. What should be done about laser pointers? Laser safety requirements in the U.S. are usually centered on specific Federal Government and voluntary standards such as: It is of note that activity in writing laser regulations at the state and local government levels has significantly increased since 1997. A second or subsequent violation triggers the possibility of even greater sentencing. All laser pointers that are available to the Australian public must have a radiant power output of less than 1 milliwatt. Laser beams can temporarily blind or disorient an operator of an airplane, helicopter or vehicle when the beam is directed toward them. Tellingly, the Legislature points to no instance of this class of laser pointer being used by even a single criminal in New Jersey.For these reasons, placing the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs in charge of enforcing sales restrictions that exceed federal standards is not likely to deter dangerous conduct, but instead will interfere with otherwise lawful commerce within New Jersey. (b) Laser Pointer Defined. As used in this section, the term " laser pointer " means any device designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission that emits a beam designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark, or identify a specific position, place, item, or object. 467, Sec. A laser pointer is a hand-held laser that is most often used in educational settings. Doing so is punishable by up to $250,000 in fines and five years in prison, reports Slate. (4) Aiming the beam at any car, truck, bicycle, motorcycle, bus, golf cart, boat or other watercraft, airplane, helicopter or other aircraft, or any other type of motorized or non-motorized vehicle while it is occupied or being operated by a person. By doing this, you have changed it from a general purpose laser to one that has a purpose of demonstration or display so you are a manufacturer to FDA. may be used as part of a power point presentation and/or within a meeting of any kind for educational or instructional purposes and said use shall not be a violation of this Section. %vvG N"Yb}\D;8VVfOBb':Uh-` ]K=[\+q^'>U6v In addition, federal law imposes criminal penalties for the dangerous misuse of a laser pointer, including fines, and up to five years in prison. On a conviction for a second or subsequent offense, the offender shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than two years nor more than ten years and shall be fined four thousand dollars. US: Illegal to aim laser pointer beams at aircraft or their flight path; up to 5 years in prison and up to $250,000 fine [The language below was signed into law by President Obama on February 14 2012. 'E}jSkr =[T3Xytw|K#4(-%"(x;/KUT{y7J>~6bXx[m;qF|F||,OM|{?g#,J>0\" ne XdEeH"6gCt=vA\& ]7?VGoB* Y;P N Byh jQJ!D,e?BK}RI;]Zf%2TROPi2m>gQO@W5vQL"Gt0Wt$9$h"l:Ar Section 163.709 - Unlawful directing of light from a laser pointer. Annual Report (due Sept. 1 of each year): FDA Form 3636, Each year you must submit FDA Form 3636, ". Some jurisdictions take it further and flat-out prohibit young people from possessing laser pointers. means a small-format projector that can be used as a standalone projector or as an integrated component in mobile devices, and uses the same technology that powers standard projectors for purposes of projecting images or videos or other similar displays onto a surface. the city of Virginia Beach in 2011 wanting the state to make aiming at aircraft illegal, goals, purpose and statement of editorial independence, Shining a laser on any person, animal, vehicle, building or resident, Possession of a laser pointer by any person under the age of 18, Selling a laser pointer to any person under the age of 18. DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT FOR MINORS!THIS PRODUCT CAN BE CONSIDERED A WEAPON! Note: 163.709 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 163 or any series therein by legislative action. Amended by P.L.227-2005, SEC.11; P.L.170-2005, SEC.18; P.L.1-2006, SEC.536; P.L.2-2007, SEC.379; P.L.227-2007, SEC.69; P.L.3-2008, SEC.255. Do not submit it using the same procedure as submitting variances; the procedure is different. The advice is based on interpreting an existing provision, 14 CFR 91.11, prohibiting interference with a crewmember of an aircraft. Any laser demonstrations, displays or shows that use lasers above 5 milliwatts must have a variance from FDA. Laser pointers are amazing, particularly for the easily amused. HAWAII: Illegal for under-18-year-olds to possess laser pointers, ILLINOIS: All Class 3B and 4 lasers must be registered, ILLINOIS: Criminalize discharge into cockpits. This means that pointers are limited to 5 milliwatts output power in . Current trends now place emphasis on classification, controls, and training. Any minor 16 years or younger, who is in possession of, or who uses, a laser pointer or device unlawfully, is subject to service of a juvenile summons and will be prosecuted in Family Court by the Solicitors Office. . South Australia. (A) It is unlawful for an individual to sell a laser device to a minor under the age of eighteen years. Power limits put in place by the CFR cap laser pointers at 5 milliwatts. Note that manufacturing a projector could simply include putting scanners or a diffracting glass in front of a general-purpose laser. See, Many countries regulate laser light shows. C. Aiming a laser pointer at a peace officer is a class 1 misdemeanor. Adults, of course, may use laser pointers that don't exceed 5 milliwatts in their output. This act shall become effective November 1, 2015. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. WARNING ON POSSESION [sic] AND USE OF A LASER POINTER OR DEVICEPARENTS! (3) Aiming the beam at any animal or the nest or habitat of any animal, including but not limited to turtles, dogs, cats, birds, livestock, pets, or other wild or domesticated animals. Laser pointers and devices offered for sale in their original unopened packaging which confirms that the devices are 1 milliwatt or less in output are sufficient proof of compliance. Passed as Section 311 of H.R. Corrections and advice for FAA AC 70-1 The short answer is no, normally you cannot permit laser light to touch or go near the audience or performers. It is a federal felony crime to aim a laser pointer at an aircraft, or at the flight path of an aircraft. The already-concentrated light is further focused by the lens onto a sharp ("diffraction-limited") dot on the retina. (b) REQUIRED WARNINGS OF USE. To give you an idea of what the FDA requires, here is the Introduction to the FDA's Reporting Guide for Laser Light Shows and Displays: Visit the main website of the International Laser Display AssociationPrivacy policy Contact ILDA via emailvar _rwObsfuscatedHref0 = "mai";var _rwObsfuscatedHref1 = "lto";var _rwObsfuscatedHref2 = ":ma";var _rwObsfuscatedHref3 = "il@";var _rwObsfuscatedHref4 = "ild";var _rwObsfuscatedHref5 = "a.c";var _rwObsfuscatedHref6 = "om";var _rwObsfuscatedHref = _rwObsfuscatedHref0+_rwObsfuscatedHref1+_rwObsfuscatedHref2+_rwObsfuscatedHref3+_rwObsfuscatedHref4+_rwObsfuscatedHref5+_rwObsfuscatedHref6; document.getElementById("rw_email_contact").href = _rwObsfuscatedHref; The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates laser light show displays. about FindLaws newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy. In addition, some states and localities require registration or regulation of the lasers, show equipment and/or the laser operators. endobj ORDINANCE NO. (c) It shall be unlawful for any person, other than a parent, guardian or teacher, to knowingly provide a laser pointer or device to a minor. Department of Health-Radiation Health: Only laws for class four medical lasers. Safety Officer: In most cases, shining a laser pointer at a uniformed safety officer is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum $500 fine. In addition to concerns over powerful laser pointers, laws in many states prohibit young folks from bringing laser pointers onto school grounds or other places. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to distribute, sale or barter, any laser pointer or device to any adult except under the following conditions:----- (1) Any distribution of any laser pointer or device shall be verified by the manufacturer's or distributor's technical specifications confirming that the pointer or device is not more than 1 milliwatt, and the proof of wattage as shown by the technical specifications which must be maintained by the merchant, to be available upon demand of law enforcement. There are companies experimenting with or even selling projectors that are said to be audience safe if installed at a certain distance, for example, 30 meters minimum from the point of closest human access. Anything more powerful than that is technically not a "laser pointer.". The penalty for aiming a laser at an aircraft or its flight path is five (5) years in prison and an $11,000.00 fine. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoed a law, apparently signed by Tennessee's governor, STATE OF TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. (F) This section does not apply to an individual selling, purchasing, or possessing a laser device that is used in connection with any firearm or implement of archery. It makes it illegal under Commonwealth law to intentionally or knowingly point a laser pointer at an aircraft or at a law enforcement officer. Lasers in the unlawful possession of minors are subject to immediate confiscation as contraband, in addition to any other law enforcement action. Indeed, this legislation would ban the sale of one of the most common classes of consumer laser pointers, which are not typically used by criminals, but by business professionals to deliver presentations. Current federal regulations allow for the sale to consumers of laser pointers with outputs up to five milliwatts.Presumably, the purpose of this bill is to deter the dangerous misuse of laser pointers. Can I do audience scanning if I have special equipment? Secure .gov websites use HTTPS (b) Laser pointers or devices in the unlawful possession of minors are subject to immediate confiscation as contraband. }5ha\@U:.w/`mDV`"m `?AMX:]&^6vIlSC. means any light emitting device whose longest dimension is 15 inches or less. Can Drones Fly Over Houses? Laser pointer usage tips / How to stay safe and out of jail / ion-checkmark-round, FAQs and media info // ion-information-circled, Aviation laser strikes info / Video, pilot tips, eyewear, stats / ion-android-plane, 2018 SAE laser mitigation recommendations, Consumer laser eye injury info / Injury severity & number of injuries / ion-eye, Laser use during protests /Potential harm to police etc./ ion-alert, If you are harassed by lasers // ion-ios-medical, If you are hit by a laser beam / Injury diagnosis and treatment / ion-medkit, If your camera is hit by a beam // ion-ios-camera, How to report a laser incident // ion-chatbubble-working, How to reduce incidents / For users, sellers, pilots, regulators / ion-android-bulb, News / Incidents, statistics and more, Index to news stories (categories & tags), Sentences for laser offenses / A list of persons fined or jailed / ion-sad-outline, Laser pointer laws / Plus proposed & suggested laws /ion-ios-world. It is a legal requirement in Australia for lasers to be labelled according to their particular hazard. Review of comprehensive laser regulations for state governments that have enacted or are considering adoption of new or revised regulations. (c) "Law enforcement officer" means a . As used in subsection (3), the term "laser lighting device" means any device designed or used to . The aviation law incident was investigated by the FBI as well as Cathedral City police. The Laser Product Performance Standard of the Center (1) In this section: (a) "Correctional officer" has the meaning given in s. 941.237 (1) (b). Such term also means a device that projects a beam or point of light by means of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation or other means or that emits light which simulates the appearance of a beam of light.Contraband meansa) any laser pointer or device that is used unlawfully, orb) any laser pointer or device that is greater than 1 milliwatt, as shown by the manufacturer's or distributor's technical specifications as shown on the pointer or device or otherwise, orc) any laser pointer or device for which the merchant who offers the device for distribution, sale or barter has no technical specifications showing the manufacturer's or distributor's confirmation that the laser pointer or device is 1 milliwatt or less in output.Excluded from this definition are:1) lasers used by an authorized individual in the conduct of research and development or flight test operations conducted by an aircraft manufacturer, the Federal Aviation Administration, or any other person authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct such research and development or flight test operations; 2) lasers used by members or elements of the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security acting in an official capacity for the purpose of research, development, operations, testing or training; 3) lasers used by an individual as an emergency signaling device to send an emergency distress signal; 4) lasers used by public safety officials in the regular conduct of their duties; 4) [sic - should be 5] laser uses specifically permissible by federal or State law; 5) lasers used for legitimate educational purposes; 6) lasers used for testing in the course of product manufacturing; 6) [sic - should be 8] lasers used for legitimate business purposes and during the normal course of such business; 7) lasers in the possession of individuals if such possession is necessary for the individual's employment, education, trade or occupation, and when not in use; 8) lasers possessed and/or used as part of a gun sight, so long as such are possessed and/or used in a lawful manner.Minor means any person who has not attained 17 years of age.Sec. The list is organized by country of origin. 800 Independence Avenue, SW Since June 2011, FAA has taken action against 28 persons, with an average fine of $11,000 per laser strike. See the page on, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Guide for Preparing Product Reports on Lasers and Products Containing Lasers, Application for a Variance from 21 CFR 1040.11(c) for a Laser Light Show, Display or Device, Reporting Guide for Laser Light Shows and Displays, Guide for Preparing Annual Reports on Radiation Safety Testing of Laser and Laser Light Show Products. 16-54. Visit our Cookie Notice to learn more. That's why it's disturbing that the study's co-authors found some of the "regular" laser pointers tested much higher than what was advertised on the labels, with one even clocking in at an insane 66.5 milliwatts. Even though the laser projects a small, millimeter-sized dot close up, at longer distances the beam can be many inches across. Under the terms of a laser show variance, FDA will require the variance holder to file a Notice of Proposed Outdoor Laser Operations with the Federal Aviation Administration, using the forms in FAA Form 7140-1 and the instructions in FAA Advisory Circular 70-1. WHEREAS, the Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to parents and school officials about the possibility of eye damage to children from hand-held laser pointers. TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 77 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE SALE, POSSESSION, AND USE OF CERTAIN LASER POINTING DEVICES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, EXEMPTIONS, AND REMEDIES.Amend Title To ConformBe it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:Whereas, laser pointers are small, handheld devices, usually battery operated, equipped with a laser diode emitting a very narrow laser beam of visible light, intended to be used to highlight something of interest by illuminating it with a small bright spot of colored light; andWhereas, laser pointers are often used in educational and business presentations for visual demonstrations as a pointing device, are useful in the construction setting, and for certain gun sights; however, if they are aimed at a person's eyes, they can cause temporary disturbances to vision, and in some cases permanent retinal damage; andWhereas, when pointed at aircraft at night, laser pointers may dazzle and distract pilots at critical times, and have been used maliciously to distract or annoy individuals on the ground as well as in the air; andWhereas, due to their appeal as a recreational device and low cost to manufacture, there has been a recent proliferation of lasers in the marketplace, particularly higher powered lasers of greater than one milliwatt output which feature brighter colors; andWhereas, especially because of these higher powered lasers, with the resulting increase in their intensity and range, and extra potential hazard when pointed at objects and people, there also has been a dramatic escalation in the number of incidents in which damaging laser beams are being directed at people and aircraft; andWhereas, the United States Coast Guard, Charleston Sector, has reported several recent cases where pilots were forced to land their aircraft and abort missions during search and rescue operations after being hit with laser beams that are particularly debilitating when the pilot is wearing night vision equipment; andWhereas, during the summer of 2012, there were more than seventy reported incidents of aircraft being hit by lasers in and around the Myrtle Beach International Airport alone; andWhereas, it is the will of the General Assembly to provide for the public's health, safety, and welfare through the regulation of the sale, possession, and use of laser pointing devices. Excluded are the possession and use of laser gun sights when possessed and used for lawful hunting purposes, or for self-defense as defined by law. 2 0 obj 1040.11), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z136 Series), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The, ARIZONA: Aiming a laser pointer at a peace officer or an occupied aircraft, General laws about laser use in Arizona are in the Arizona Administrative Code, Title 9. Some jurisdictions take it further and flat-out prohibit young people from possessing laser pointers. Enacted by Chapter 67, 2001 General Session, unless he is authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration or the armed forces of the United States.

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