Federal · Title 46 — Shipping

46 U.S.C. § 70014: Aiming laser pointer at vessel

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to point a laser beam at a vessel on U.S. navigable waters, with exceptions for Department of Defense and Homeland Security personnel acting officially.

Read the full statutory text

It shall be unlawful to cause the beam of a laser pointer to strike a vessel operating on the navigable waters of the United States. This section shall not apply to a member or element 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. 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.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.