Welcome to LaserPointerSafety.com. We are a resource for users, regulators, media and others concerned with handheld portable lasers.
While laser pens are useful and fun, they are all too often misused. This website has details about why you should never aim laser pointers at aircraft, as well as news, a FAQ, and much more information. Check the menu at left for a complete list of our pages. For the latest updates to the site, see our What’s new page.
A helicopter being deliberately targeted by a laser pointer. A video of the incident is here.
A special message for laser pointer users
There are far too many incidents where airplanes, helicopters, vehicles, athletes and ordinary citizens are harassed by laser pointer beams. It is annoying, at best. It can be unsafe if the beam gets in someone’s eye or if it causes a driver or pilot to be distracted or flashblinded. You personally can get arrested and even jailed.
Plus, laser incidents create a bad image and can lead to laser pointers being banned. This has happened in a number of areas. (In New South Wales, you can be fined for possessing a laser pointer, and you can go to jail for up to 14 years for a laser assault.) There are strong calls in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. to restrict or ban lasers.
It is really simple: NEVER aim a laser beam at an aircraft, a vehicle, or towards strangers. In other words, DON’T ANNOY PEOPLE WITH THE LASER BEAM.
For more specific information about laser pen hazards and safe use, see the various topics in the menu at left.
June 2010 alert: Ultra-high powered lasers now being sold
In June 2010, handheld lasers with 1-watt beams went on sale for only $200. The Wicked Lasers Spyder III Pro Arctic is about 10 times more powerful than previous lasers in this price range. This page describes the significantly-increased hazards of this laser, explains why portable Class 4 lasers should be banned, and discusses why U.S. laws are not strong enough. We also have commentary from concerned gadget bloggers here (in the Update section), and a warning from Casio about misuse of laser diodes “harvested” from their projectors.
August 2010 alert: Bill passes House to ban laser pointer aiming at aircraft
In July 2010, House Resolution 5810, the “Securing Aircraft Cockpits Against Lasers Act of 2010” was passed by the House of Representatives. The bill would ban knowingly aiming laser pointers at aircraft or their flight path. You can read an analysis of this bill (including its significant flaws), and a proposed improved version supported by ILDA.