Editing Laser pointer (section)

==Regulations and misuse==
Laser pointer users should not point laser beams at aircraft, moving vehicles, or towards strangers.<ref>[https://www.laserpointersafety.com/laser-hazards_aircraft/laser-hazards_aircraft.html Laser Pointer Safety - NEVER aim laser pointers at aircraft]</ref> Since laser pointers became readily available, they have been misused, leading to the development of laws and regulations specifically addressing use of such lasers. Their very long range makes it difficult to find the source of a laser spot. In some circumstances they make people fear they are being targeted by weapons, as they are indistinguishable from dot type laser reticles. The very bright, small spot makes it possible to dazzle and distract drivers and aircraft pilots, and they can be dangerous to sight if aimed at the eyes.

In 1998, an audience member shone a laser at [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]] drummer [[Peter Criss]]'s eyes while the band was performing "[[Beth (song)|Beth]]". After performing the song, Criss nearly stormed off the stage, and lead singer [[Paul Stanley]] ripped into whoever had been manipulating the laser light: 
 	
{{Blockquote|text=In every crowd, there's one or two people who don't belong [...] Now I know you want to [take] it to school tomorrow when you go to sixth grade, but [you should have left] it at home [before coming] to the show.|sign=[[Paul Stanley]]|source=<ref>{{cite news|title=Laser Pointer Irks Kiss|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2002&dat=19981124&id=CQFWAAAAIBAJ&pg=4614,6529730&hl=en|access-date=21 March 2015|publisher=Beaver County Times|date=24 November 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Chapman|first1=Francesca|title=Kiss Drummer Sees Red, Rips Dimwit With Laser Pointer|url=http://articles.philly.com/1998-11-24/news/25732484_1_laser-pointer-jerry-hall-chet-baker|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402114932/http://articles.philly.com/1998-11-24/news/25732484_1_laser-pointer-jerry-hall-chet-baker|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 April 2015|access-date=21 March 2015|publisher=Philly.com|date=24 November 1998}}</ref>}}

According to FIFA stadium safety and security regulations, laser pointers are prohibited items at stadiums during [[FIFA]] [[association football|football]] tournaments and matches.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130516223844/http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/51/53/98/safetyregulations%5fe.pdf FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations] — see page 96, "g"</ref> They are also prohibited in matches and competitions organised by [[UEFA]].<ref>[http://www.uefa.org/MultimediaFiles/Download/Regulations/uefaorg/UEFACompDisCases/02/11/23/49/2112349_DOWNLOAD.pdf UEFA Disciplinatory Regulations] — see page 9, "2.d"</ref> In 2008 laser pointers were aimed at players' eyes in a number of sport matches worldwide. [[Olympique Lyonnais]] was fined by UEFA because of a laser pointer beam aimed by a Lyon fan at [[Cristiano Ronaldo]].<ref>[http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/03/laser-zap-leads.html – Laser Zap Leads to Soccer Fine]. Blog.wired.com (22 March 2008). Retrieved on 2011-10-15.</ref> In a [[FIFA World Cup|World Cup]] final qualifier match held in [[Riyadh]], [[Saudi Arabia]] between the home team and the [[South Korea]]n team, South Korean goalkeeper [[Lee Woon-Jae]] was hit in the eye with a green laser beam.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120804063137/http://www.kfa.or.kr/news/news/sview.asp?g_gubun=2&g_conid=2008112084026 kfa.or.kr/sportalkorea – 사우디 관중, 이운재에 레이저 포인터 공격 (includes a photograph showing a laser beam shining upon the goalkeeper's face)]</ref> At the [[2014 World Cup]] during the final [[2014 FIFA World Cup Group H#Algeria vs Russia|group stage match]] between [[Algeria national football team|Algeria]] and [[Russia national football team|Russia]] a green laser beam was directed on the face of Russian goalkeeper [[Igor Akinfeev]]. After the match the [[Algerian Football Federation]] was fined [[Swiss franc|CHF]]50,000 (approx. [[Pound sterling|£]]33,000/[[Euro|€]]41,100/[[United States dollar|US$]]56,200) by FIFA for the use of lasers and other violations of the rules by Algerian fans at the stadium.<ref>{{cite news|first=Simon|last=Evans|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-world-alg-lasers-fifa-idINKBN0F52E220140630|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110052627/http://in.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-world-alg-lasers-fifa-idINKBN0F52E220140630|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 January 2016|title=Algeria zapped with FIFA fine over lasers|publisher=Reuters|date=1 July 2014|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> During a football match in Athens between  [[Greece national football team|Greece]] and [[Republic of Ireland national football team|Ireland]] on 16 June 2023, Greek supporters were asked repeatedly over the public address system to stop shining laser beams at the Irish footballers.<ref>[https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2023/0616/1389602-irelands-greek-odyssey-ends-in-disappointing-defeat/ Ireland's Greek odyssey ends in disappointing defeat] RTÉ Sport, 23-06-16.</ref>

In 2009 police in the [[United Kingdom]] began tracking the sources of lasers being shone at helicopters at night, logging the source using [[GPS]], using [[thermal imaging]] cameras to see the suspect, and even the warm pointer if discarded, and calling in police dog teams. As of 2010 the penalty could be five years' imprisonment.<ref>{{cite news|last=Symonds|first=Tom|title=Police fight back on laser threat|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7990013.stm|access-date=12 September 2010|newspaper=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=8 April 2009}}</ref>

Despite legislation limiting the output of laser pointers in some countries, higher-power devices are currently produced in other regions and are frequently imported by customers who purchase them directly via Internet mail order. The legality of such transactions is not always clear; typically, the lasers are sold as research or [[Original equipment manufacturer|OEM]] devices (which are not subject to the same power restrictions), with a disclaimer that they are not to be used as pointers. DIY videos are also often posted on Internet video sharing sites like [[YouTube]] which explain how to make a high-power laser pointer using the diode from an optical disc burner. As the popularity of these devices increased, manufacturers began manufacturing similar high-powered pointers. Warnings have been published on the dangers of such high-powered lasers.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070419224757/http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/radhealth/products/internetlasers.html US FDA: Consumer Safety Alert: Internet Sales of Laser Products]. Fda.gov (6 September 2011). Retrieved on 2011-10-15.</ref> Despite the disclaimers, such lasers are frequently sold in packaging resembling that for laser pointers. Lasers of this type may not include [[Laser safety|safety features]] sometimes found on laser modules sold for research purposes.

There have been many incidents regarding, in particular, aircraft, and the authorities in many countries take them extremely seriously. Many people have been convicted and sentenced, sometimes to several years' imprisonment.<ref>[http://www.laserpointersafety.com/news/news/aviation-incidents_files/category-fines-0026-jail.php News of aviation-related incidents, arrests, etc]. Laser Pointer Safety. Retrieved on 15 October 2011.</ref>

===Australia===
In April 2008, citing a series of coordinated attacks on passenger jets in [[Sydney]], the Australian government announced that it would restrict the sale and importation of certain laser items. The government had yet to determine which classes of laser pointers to ban.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://news.smh.com.au/laser-pointers-restricted-after-attacks/20080406-240f.html |title = Laser pointers restricted after attacks |access-date = 6 April 2008 |date = 6 April 2008 |publisher = [[Sydney Morning Herald]] |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080411063650/http://news.smh.com.au/laser-pointers-restricted-after-attacks/20080406-240f.html |archive-date = 11 April 2008 |df = dmy-all }}</ref> After some debate, the government voted to ban importation of lasers that emit a beam stronger than 1&nbsp;mW, effective from 1 July 2008. Those whose professions require the use of a laser can apply for an exemption.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080728165341/http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?c=10444 Minister media release. Importation of laser pointers banned]. [[Australian Customs Service]]. Friday, 30 May 2008</ref> In [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] and the Australian Capital Territory a laser pointer with an accessible emission limit greater than 1&nbsp;mW is classified as a prohibited weapon and any sale of such items must be recorded.<ref>[http://www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/PubStatbook.nsf/0/655C4BD36C276088CA256E5B0021A8DD/$FILE/00-130sr.pdf Control of Weapons Regulations 2000]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910041342/http://www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/PubStatbook.nsf/0/655C4BD36C276088CA256E5B0021A8DD/%24FILE/00-130sr.pdf |date=10 September 2008 }} S.R. No. 130/2000 Schedule 2 Number 33</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110303002900/http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/139894/FACT_SHEET_Prohibited_Weapons_LASER_POINTER_May_2010.pdf  Fact Sheet: Prohibited Weapons, Laser Pointers], May_2010, [[NSW Police Force]]</ref> In Western Australia, regulatory changes have classified laser pointers as controlled weapons and demonstration of a lawful reason for possession is required.<ref>Kobelke, John (13 April 2008) [http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=130007 Laser pointers are now controlled weapons] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127040643/http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=130007 |date=27 January 2011 }}. Government of Western Australia.</ref> The WA state government has also banned as of 2000 the manufacture, sale and possession of laser pointers higher than class 2.<ref>Day, John (3 January 2000) [http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=113799 The State Government has banned the manufacture, sale and possession of laser pointers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127053915/http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=113799 |date=27 January 2011 }}. Government of Western Australia.</ref> In New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory the product safety standard for laser pointers prescribes that they must be a Class 1 or a Class 2 laser product.<ref>[http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/fragview/inforce/subordleg+413+2007+pt.2-div.18-sec.73+0+N?dq=Document%20Types%3D%22Acts,%20Regs%22,%20All%20Words%3D%22Laser%20pointers%22,%20Search%20In%3D%22Text%22 Extract from New South Wales Fair Trading Regulation 2007]. Legislation.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved on 15 October 2011</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080910041343/http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/sl/2002-39/current/pdf/2002-39.pdf Fair Trading (Consumer Product Standards) Regulation 2002]. Republication date: 3 April 2008</ref> In February 2009 South African cricketer [[Wayne Parnell]] had a laser pointer directed at his eyes when attempting to take a catch, which he dropped. He denied that it was a reason for dropping the ball, but despite this the MCG decided to keep an eye out for the laser pointers. The laser pointer ban only applies to hand-held battery-powered laser devices and not laser modules.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4372.asp |title=Australian Customs on Firearms and Weapons |publisher=Customs.gov.au |date=21 April 2013 |access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref>

In November 2015  a 14-year-old Tasmanian boy damaged both his eyes after shining a laser pen "... in his eyes for a very brief period of time". He burned his [[retinas]] near the [[macula]], the area where most of a person's central vision is located. As a result, the boy has almost immediately lost 75% of his vision, with little hope of  recovery.<ref name=abc-not-toys>{{cite news |last1=Ross|first1=Selina |title=Laser pointers not toys, optometrists warn, after Tasmanian teenager damages eyes |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-05/optometrist-warning-after-teen-burns-retinas-with-laser/6916564 |access-date=5 November 2015 |work=ABC News |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=5 November 2015}}</ref>

===Canada===
New regulations controlling the importation and sale of laser pointers (portable, battery-powered) have been established in Canada in 2011 and are governed by Health Canada using the Consumer Protection Act for the prohibition of the sale of Class 3B (IEC) or higher power lasers to "consumers" as defined in the [https://web.archive.org/web/20120623195628/http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-1.68/index.html Consumer Protection Act] . Canadian federal regulation follows [https://web.archive.org/web/20090601153511/http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/default.htm FDA (US Food & Drug Administration) CDRH], and IEC ([http://www.iec.ch/ International Electrotechnical Commission]) hazard classification methods where manufacturers comply with the Radiation Emitting Devices Act. As of July 2011 three people<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.durhamregion.com/news/article/1063262--laser-shone-at-police-chopper-oshawa-man-charged |title=Laser Shone at Police Chopper, Oshawa Man Charged |publisher=Oshawa This Week |date=29 July 2011 |access-date=8 August 2011}}</ref> had been charged under the federal ''[[Aeronautics Act]]'', which carries a maximum penalty of $100,000 and five years in prison, for attempting to dazzle a pilot with a laser. Other charges that could be laid include [[mischief]] and [[assault]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mytelus.com/ncp_news/article.en.do?pn=regional/alberta&articleID=3035834 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911173639/http://www.mytelus.com/ncp_news/article.en.do?pn=regional/alberta&articleID=3035834 |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 September 2012 |title=TELUS |publisher=Mytelus.com |access-date=11 August 2010}} </ref>

=== Colombia ===
The "RESOLUCIÓN 57151 DE 2016" prohibits the marketing and making available to consumers of laser pointers with output power equal to or greater than one milliwatt (>=1&nbsp;mW).<ref>{{Cite web|title=RESOLUCIÓN 57151 DE 2016|url=http://www.sic.gov.co/recursos_user/documentos/normatividad/Resoluciones/2016/Resolucion_57151_2016.pdf|access-date=31 July 2017|archive-date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626052212/http://www.sic.gov.co/recursos_user/documentos/normatividad/Resoluciones/2016/Resolucion_57151_2016.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Colombia is the first country in South America to regulate the marketing of these products.

===Hong Kong===
Laser pointers are not illegal in Hong Kong but air navigation rules state that it is an offense to exhibit "any light" bright enough to endanger aircraft taking off or landing.

During the [[2019–20 Hong Kong protests]], laser pointers were used by protesters to confuse police officers and scramble facial recognition cameras. On August 6, 5 off-duty police officers arrested Baptist University student union president Keith Fong Chung-yin after he purchased 10 laser pointers in Sham Shui Po for possession of "offensive weapons". Fong said he would use the pointers for stargazing, but police described them as “laser guns” whose beams could cause eye injuries. In defence of the arrest, police said that under Hong Kong law the pointers can be deemed “weapons” if they are used in or intended for use in an attack. The incident led to a public outcry. Human rights activist Icarus Wong Ho-yin said that going by the police explanation, “a kitchen worker who buys a few knives can be arrested for being in possession of offensive weapons”. Democratic Party lawmaker and lawyer James To Kun-sun criticized the police for abuse of power. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the dome of Hong Kong's Space Museum to put on a “laser show” to denounce police's claims that these laser pointers were offensive weapons. Fong was released unconditionally two days later.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3021862/hong-kong-police-defend-arrest-baptist-university|title=Police defend arrest of Baptist University student leader for carrying laser pointers|date=2019-08-07|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|access-date=2019-09-09}}</ref>

===Netherlands===
Before 1998 Class 3A lasers were allowed. In 1998 it became illegal to trade Class 2 laser pointers that are "gadgets" (e.g. ball pens, key chains, business gifts, devices that will end up in children's possession, parts of toys, etc.). It is still allowed to trade Class 2 (< 1&nbsp;mW) laser pointers proper, but they have to meet requirements regarding warnings and instructions for safe use in the manual. Trading of Class 3 and higher laser pointers is not allowed.<ref>[http://www.denederlandsegrondwet.nl/9353000/1/j9vvihlf299q0sr/vi3ahif09kz6 Brief minister over laserpointers – Vaststelling van de begroting van de uitgaven en de ontvangsten van het Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport (XVI) voor het jaar 1999]. Letter from the minister of health care to Dutch Parliament, no. 71, 11 June 1999.</ref>

===Sweden===
The use of pointers with output power > 1&nbsp;mW is regulated in public areas and school yards.<ref>[http://www.stralsakerhetsmyndigheten.se/Allmanhet/Laser/Laserpekare/ Laserpekare] (in Swedish)</ref> From 1 January 2014 it is necessary to have a special permit in order to own a laser pointer with a classification of 3R, 3B or 4, i.e. over 1&nbsp;mW.<ref>[http://www.stralsakerhetsmyndigheten.se/start/Laser/Skarpta-regler-for-starka-laserpekare-fran-1-januari-2014/ Skärpta regler för starka laserpekare från 1 januari 2014](in Swedish)</ref>

===Switzerland===
In Switzerland, the possession of laser pointers has been prohibited since 1 June 2019, except for class 1 laser pointers, which may be used only indoors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Laser pointers |url=https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/gesund-leben/umwelt-und-gesundheit/strahlung-radioaktivitaet-schall/elektromagnetische-felder-emf-uv-laser-licht/laser-und-lasershows/laserpointer.html |website=Federal Office of Public Health |access-date=12 October 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
UK and most of Europe are now harmonized on Class 2 (<1&nbsp;mW) for General presentation use laser pointers or laser pens. Anything above 1&nbsp;mW is illegal for sale in the UK (import is unrestricted). Health and Safety regulation insists on use of Class 2 anywhere the public can come in contact with indoor laser light, and the DTI have urged Trading Standards authorities to use their existing powers under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to remove lasers above class 2 from the general market.<ref>The UK Health Protection Agency's [http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1195733794576 Laser Pointer Infosheet] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613070927/http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAweb%26HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1195733794576 |date=13 June 2008 }}.</ref>

Since 2010, it is an offence in the UK to shine a light at an aircraft in flight so as to dazzle the pilot, [[strict liability|whether intentionally or not]], with a maximum penalty of a [[Standard scale#Scale|level 4 fine]] (currently £2500). It is also an offence to [[Mens rea#England and Wales|negligently or recklessly]] endanger an aircraft, with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.<ref>[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/3015/made Air Navigation Order 2009]. For the strict liability offence, see paragraphs 222 and 241(6) and part B of schedule 13 of the Order. For reckless endangerment, see paragraphs 137 and 241(8) and part D of schedule 13 of the Order.</ref>

To assist with enforcement, police helicopters use [[GPS]] and [[thermal imaging camera]], together with dog teams on the ground, to help locate the offender; the discarded warm laser pointer is often visible on the thermal camera, and its [[wavelength]] can be matched to that recorded by an event recorder in the helicopter.<ref>{{cite web|last=Symonds |first=Tom |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7990013.stm |title=Technology &#124; Police fight back on laser threat |work=BBC News |date=8 April 2009 |access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref>

===United States===
Laser pointers are Class II or Class IIIa devices, with output [[Radiant flux|beam power]] less than 5 milliwatts (<5&nbsp;mW). According to [[Food and Drug Administration (United States)|U.S. Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) regulations, more powerful lasers may not be sold or promoted as laser pointers.<ref name="FDA-laser-pointer-1">{{cite web |title=Important Information for Laser Pointer Manufacturers |url=https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/laser-products-and-instruments/important-information-laser-pointer-manufacturers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214062826/https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/laser-products-and-instruments/important-information-laser-pointer-manufacturers |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 December 2019 |website=www.fda.gov |publisher=[[Food and Drug Administration]] |access-date=26 November 2021 |language=en |date=2017-12-04 }}</ref> Also, any laser with class higher than IIIa (more than 5 milliwatts) requires a key-switch interlock and other safety features.<ref name="FDA-CFR1040">U.S. Code of Federal Regulations,{{cite web |title=21 CFR 1040.10 Performance standards for Light-Emitting products - Laser products |url=https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?FR=1040.10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021102212204/http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?FR=1040.10 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 November 2002 |website=www.fda.gov |publisher=[[Food and Drug Administration]] |access-date=26 November 2021 |language=en }} ''Note that these regulations pre-date the availability of Laser Pointers and so do not reference them by name.''</ref>  Shining a laser pointer of any class at an aircraft is illegal and punishable by a fine of up to $11,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=12765 |title=FAA News Briefing |publisher=faa.gov |url-status=dead |access-date=16 June 2011 |archive-date=4 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604163808/http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=12765 }}</ref>

All laser products offered in commerce in the US must be registered with the FDA, regardless of output power.<ref  name="FDA-CFR1040" /><ref name="FDA-laser-pointer-2">{{cite web |title=Illuminating Facts About Laser Pointers |url=https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/alerts-and-notices/illuminating-facts-about-laser-pointers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214062829/https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/alerts-and-notices/illuminating-facts-about-laser-pointers |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 December 2019 |website=www.fda.gov |publisher=[[Food and Drug Administration]] |access-date=26 November 2021 |language=en |date=2019-06-13 }}</ref>

====Arizona====

In [[Arizona]] it is a Class 1 misdemeanor if a person "aims a laser pointer at a police officer if the person intentionally or knowingly directs the beam of light from an operating laser pointer at another person and the person knows or reasonably should know that the other person is a police officer." (Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1213) <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/13/01213.htm&Title=13&DocType=ARS |title=Format Document |publisher=Azleg.gov |access-date=11 August 2010}}</ref>

====Michigan====

Public act 257 of 2003 makes it a felony for a person to "manufacture, deliver, possess, transport, place, use, or release" a "harmful electronic or electromagnetic device" for "an unlawful purpose"; also made into a felony is the act of causing "an individual to falsely believe that the individual has been exposed to a... harmful electronic or electromagnetic device."<ref>[http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2003-2004/publicact/htm/2003-PA-0257.htm  "2003-PA-0257".] Legislature.mi.gov. Retrieved 27 March 2013.</ref>

Public act 328 of 1931 makes it a felony for a person to "sell, offer for sale, or possess" a "portable device or weapon from which an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam may be directed" and is designed "to incapacitate temporarily, injure, or kill".<ref>[http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(jl0x0o45fbk4fzepfa0hrx45))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-750-224a "Michigan Legislature - Section 750.224a".] Legislature.mi.gov. Retrieved 27 March 2013.</ref>

====Maine====

Public law 264, H.P. 868 - L.D. 1271 criminalizes the knowing, intentional, and/or reckless use of an electronic weapon on another person, defining an electronic weapon as a portable device or weapon emitting an electric current, impulse, beam, or wave with disabling effects on a human being.<ref>[http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2004/Chapter170 "PUBLIC Law Chapter 264".] Mainelegislature.org. 15 January 2003. Retrieved 2013-03-27.</ref>

====Massachusetts====

Chapter 170 of the Acts of 2004, Section 140 of the General Laws, section 131J states: "No person shall possess a portable device or weapon from which an electric current, impulse, wave or beam may be directed, which current, impulse, wave or beam is designed to incapacitate temporarily, injure or kill, except ... Whoever violates this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 or by imprisonment in the house of correction for not less than 6 months nor more than 2 1/2 years, or by both such fine and imprisonment."
<ref>[http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2004/Chapter170 "Session Laws: CHAPTER 170 of the Acts of 2004".] Malegislature.gov. 15 July 2004. Retrieved 2013-03-27.</ref>

====Utah====

In [[Utah]] it is a class C [[misdemeanor]] to point a laser pointer at a [[law enforcement officer]] and is an [[infraction]] to point a laser pointer at a moving vehicle.<ref>[http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE76/htm/76_10_250100.htm Utah State Legislature 76-10-2501 Unlawful use of a laser pointer] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080710181333/http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE76/htm/76_10_250100.htm |date=10 July 2008 }} Most states now have similar laws to Utah's making some uses of laser pointers (such as pointing one at a police officer or an aircraft (federal law) a crime)</ref>