Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
(a) Offense. Whoever knowingly aims the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, or at the flight path of such an aircraft, shall be or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
(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.
(c) Exceptions. This section does not prohibit aiming a beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft, or the flight path of such an aircraft, by—
(1) 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) 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; or
(3) by an individual using a laser emergency signaling device to send an emergency distress signal.
(d) Authority To Establish Additional Exceptions by Regulation. The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, may provide by regulation, after public notice and comment, such additional exceptions to this section as may be necessary and appropriate. The Attorney General shall provide written notification of any proposed regulations under this section to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, not less than 90 days before such regulations become final.
History: (Added Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §311(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 65.)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to knowingly aim a laser pointer at an aircraft, or at its flight path, when the aircraft is under U.S. jurisdiction. This applies to anyone, with limited exceptions.