2017 US Code
Title 18 - Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Part I - Crimes
Chapter 2 - Aircraft and Motor Vehicles
Sec. 39A - Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft
| 18 U.S.C. § 39A (2017) |
| §39A. Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft |
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(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 fined under this title 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. |
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(Added Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §311(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 65.) |
| United States Code, 2012 Edition, Supplement 5, Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE |
| Bills and Statutes |
| United States Code |
| Y 1.2/5: |
| Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE PART I - CRIMES CHAPTER 2 - AIRCRAFT AND MOTOR VEHICLES Sec. 39A - Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft |
| section 39A |
| 2017 |
| January 12, 2018 |
| Yes |
| standard |
| 126 Stat. 65 |
| Public Law 112-95 |
