pU9{u]MRp$? There appears to be no exception for selling projectors to persons only using them in the home. 3 0 obj This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. By doing this, you have changed it from a general purpose laser to one that has a purpose of demonstration or display so you are a manufacturer to FDA. Do not submit it using the same procedure as submitting variances; the procedure is different. It makes it illegal under Commonwealth law to intentionally or knowingly point a laser pointer at an aircraft or at a law enforcement officer. 418 (Second Reprint) without my approval. 18 U.S. Code 39A - Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft Review of model state laser safety regulation activities of the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD). This discussion will attempt to review these developments by looking at the following major topics: Comprehensive laser regulations vary considerably from state to state and have been historically concerned with registration of lasers and licensing of operators and institutions. Washington State Patrol pilots successfully test special laser eye protection developed at Wright-Patterson Lab Story by Mary Pacinda, Air Force Research Laboratory Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime that can net offenders up to five years in jail or cost them a $250,000 fine. A rising number of commercial aircraft pilots have reported having lasers directed at them while carrying passengers, leading Congress and several states to approve legislation making the act illegal. Current federal regulations allow for the sale to consumers of laser pointers with outputs up to five milliwatts.Presumably, the purpose of this bill is to deter the dangerous misuse of laser pointers. No person shall possess or offer to sell a laser pointer that exceeds one milliwatt in output power.b. Tampa Laser Pointer Crimes Lawyers - Stechschulte Nell Any laser demonstrations, displays or shows that use lasers above 5 milliwatts must have a variance from FDA. Laser safety tech info / Calculations, classifications, data / ion-ios-calculator, Laser safety studies // ion-pie-graph, 2002: Understanding levels of vision loss, 2006: Countering laser pointer threats to road safety. about FindLaws newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy. 16-54. 800 Independence Avenue, SW Point Laser at Cops? Get Sent to Fed Prison - FindLaw In January 2011, Illinois state representative Dave Winters (Rep. - Shirland) introduced HB0167, which amends the state criminal code to make discharging a laser into the cockpit of an aircraft a Class A misdemeanor. "SECTION 2. Violation is a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to six months in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. (1) As used in subsection (2), the term "laser lighting device" means a handheld device, not affixed to a firearm, which emits a laser beam that is designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark, or identify a specific position, place, item, or object. FAA requests at least 30 days notice in order to study the show and how it relates to air traffic. _.Lk;J@',Pb`Rl%'mS%l\X59=_-.4Q^^5A+\Zrr5Tb~%[XM1,=}xG0XFe]]^6p Health Services, Chapter 7. A laser pointer is a hand-held laser that is most often used in educational settings. However, if the conduct causes bodily injury to the officer, it is a third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine. (2) Aiming the beam at or toward any person without their consent and/or knowledge, or into or near the eyes of any person regardless of consent or knowledge. If you buy a commercially-available laser projector for home use, you appear to need a variance before the seller can turn over the projector to you. 2002-80; s. 1, ch. To learn more, download the full Government Regulations document. Section 163.709 - Unlawful directing of light from a laser pointer. By using special equipment and techniques, it is possible to expose an audience to laser light. (c) "Law enforcement officer" means a . Laser pointers and devices offered for sale in their original unopened packaging which confirms that the devices are 1 milliwatt or less in output are sufficient proof of compliance. SOUTH CAROLINA: No sales to, or possession by, minors, SOUTH CAROLINA: Myrtle Beach restricts minors and misuse, SOUTH CAROLINA: Old North Myrtle Beach ordinance as of September 17 2012, SOUTH CAROLINA: New North Myrtle Beach ordinance of February 2013, TENNESSEE: Aiming a laser pointer at a law enforcement officer or similar, TEXAS: Law enforcement and aircraft illumination, VIRGINIA: Interference with operation of aircraft, VIRGINIA: Illegal to aim lasers at law enforcement officers, VIRGINIA, city of Virginia Beach: Misdemeanor to aim into eyes, WASHINGTON STATE: Unlawful discharge of a laser, WISCONSIN: Restrictions on the use of laser pointers. SECTION 2. To the Senate:Pursuant to Article V, Section I, Paragraph 14 of the New Jersey Constitution, I am returning Senate Bill No. History.--s. These are the principal standards used for both the laser manufacturers and users. Section 311 amended Title 18 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) The illegal use of laser pointers creates risks and dangers for those targeted by the beam of the laser, as well as for the citizens of Ocean City. .this Ordinance dealing with the immediate preservation of public health and safety is an emergency within the meaning of Section 1.12(1) of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Joplin, Missouri, and, as such, shall be in full force and effect immediately from and after its adoption and approval.. 82-19. Nerds and cat ladies alike should have stopped with their laser pointer keychains and questioned: "Are laser pointers illegal?". These products are generally safe when used as intended by teachers and lecturers to highlight areas on a chart of screen. (b) It shall be unlawful for any parent, guardian, person acting in loco parentis, or responsible adult to purchase and give to any minor, or permit any minor in their custody to possess or use, a laser pointer or device while not under the direct supervision of such parent, guardian, person acting in loco parentis, responsible adult, or teacher.Sec. If aimed at a person's eye from close up, most or all of the light goes through the pupil. code or county). Using a Laser Pointer to Interfere with Transportation The Garden State has a similar law to the federal one. It is a legal requirement in Australia for lasers to be labelled according to their particular hazard. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoed a law, apparently signed by Tennessee's governor, STATE OF TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. State and local Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) are often in the best position to deter, detect, immediately investigate, and, as appropriate, pursue enforcement actions to stop unauthorized laser strikes. DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT FOR MINORS!THIS PRODUCT CAN BE CONSIDERED A WEAPON! Meriden Mayor Joseph Marinan said that the 4-month-old ordinance prohibits anyone under age 18 from purchasing, possessing, or using a laser pointer, and bars those who are older than 18 from. Yes, it is prohibited to point a laser toward an aircraft. The following language was introduced in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which was enacted January 1, 2021. To give you an idea of what the FDA requires, here is the Introduction to the FDA's Reporting Guide for Laser Light Shows and Displays: Visit the main website of the International Laser Display AssociationPrivacy policy Contact ILDA via emailvar _rwObsfuscatedHref0 = "mai";var _rwObsfuscatedHref1 = "lto";var _rwObsfuscatedHref2 = ":ma";var _rwObsfuscatedHref3 = "il@";var _rwObsfuscatedHref4 = "ild";var _rwObsfuscatedHref5 = "a.c";var _rwObsfuscatedHref6 = "om";var _rwObsfuscatedHref = _rwObsfuscatedHref0+_rwObsfuscatedHref1+_rwObsfuscatedHref2+_rwObsfuscatedHref3+_rwObsfuscatedHref4+_rwObsfuscatedHref5+_rwObsfuscatedHref6; document.getElementById("rw_email_contact").href = _rwObsfuscatedHref; The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates laser light show displays. Laws & Regulations of Laser Operation in the United States (does not include non-laser devices) *always check your state website, malpractice carrier* This document is meant to serve as a guide to find the information for your statenot as a set of rules to follow in your practice. Such activity exposing planes or helicopters to laser radiation is a violation of federal law, as well as those in many individual states. Review of comprehensive laser regulations for state governments that have enacted or are considering adoption of new or revised regulations. FindLaw.com Free, trusted legal information for consumers and legal professionals, SuperLawyers.com Directory of U.S. attorneys with the exclusive Super Lawyers rating, Abogado.com The #1 Spanish-language legal website for consumers, LawInfo.com Nationwide attorney directory and legal consumer resources. A minor under the age of eighteen may possess a laser device if it is:----- (a) used by an individual as an emergency signaling device to send an emergency distress signal;----- (b) used for legitimate educational purposes so long as it is used solely for that purpose;----- (c) used for legitimate business purposes and during the normal course of that business;----- (d) necessary for the individual's employment, education, trade or occupation, so long as it is used solely for that purpose; or----- (e) used as part of a gun sight, so long as it is used in a lawful manner.-- (2) A minor who knowingly violates a provision of this subsection in person, by agent, or in any other way commits a noncriminal offense and is subject to a civil fine of twenty-five dollars. Each year, Ocean City experiences incidents in which a vessel, plane or helicopter is illegally targeted with a laser pointer operated in Ocean City, and often purchased in Ocean City. x][o9~Hdos\fv1zvY/#i,_/&-/'YXduc598!^;woQJHL2;/Y>/|(gT %%8$iT/D?b+I.Bg:cNlB>Md9-'wl2/d|2_gS&[f2vo#SJg>^.?VS[\?/}?#IZDqR2B({p~ kkD22F-R\V(i!q(3Uby/>#i16 GNJ(6[BjHbD*OY0!=G.7dH ", MISSOURI: Aiming a laser at a uniformed safety officer, MISSOURI, city of Springfield: Restrictions on possession, use, MISSOURI, city of Joplin: Restrictions on possession, use, NEVADA: Directing laser light with intent to interfere with an aircraft, NEW HAMPSHIRE: Illegal to shine a laser at an occupied aircraft, vehicle, window or at a person, NEW JERSEY, town of Ocean City (2011): Ban on laser pointer sales and possession, NEW JERSEY: Oct. 2013 - Governor vetos bill to ban laser pointer sales over 1 mW, On October 17 2013, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoed proposed bill A3169/S418, passed by the legislature 106-8, that would have banned the sale of laser pointers over 1 milliwatt. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.SECTION 3. Article 24.6 - Laser Pointers - Justia Law The already-concentrated light is further focused by the lens onto a sharp ("diffraction-limited") dot on the retina. Paperwork Reduction Act statement The . The parent is chargeable as a principal to the crime along with the minor in possession, or who illegally uses the device as a weapon, and is also subject to prosecution for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Perspectives & Opinions / Informed advice / ion-quote. On May 10 1999, the city commission of Leesburg (Lake County) Florida passed a law making it a misdemeanor to directly or indirectly shine a laser on another person to harass them. The advice is based on interpreting an existing provision, 14 CFR 91.11, prohibiting interference with a crewmember of an aircraft. US: FDA information for laser pointer manufacturers, In 2017 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted a webpage with ", US: FDA proposes changes to Federal Laser Performance Standard, US: FDA proposes allowing only red laser pointers. Comprehensive state standards relating to laser safety matters currently exist in ten states. 467, Sec. 418 (Second Reprint) without my approval.This bill prohibits the sale of laser pointers that exceed one milliwatt in output power. US: Illegal to aim laser pointer beams at aircraft or their flight path; up to 5 years in prison and up to $250,000 fine, On June 1 2011, Federal Aviation Administration lawyers issued a memo stating that the agency can impose civil penalties on persons who aim laser pointers at an aircraft. }5ha\@U:.w/`mDV`"m `?AMX:]&^6vIlSC. (a) It shall be unlawful for any minor to possess a laser pointer or device, while not under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian or teacher, which parent, guardian or teacher takes full responsibility for its possession and use under this Article, and bears the full consequences of its misuse. % Improperly used laser pointers can also pose a traffic hazard and a personal threat to motorists. (c) It shall be unlawful for any person, other than a parent, guardian or teacher, to knowingly provide a laser pointer or device to a minor. On February 14, 2012, the President signed Public Law 112-95 (PDF), the "FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012." WARNING ON POSSESION [sic] AND USE OF A LASER POINTER OR DEVICEPARENTS! Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Pointing a laser pointer at an aircraft is a violation of federal law and potentially state laws. There is also a reliable website that deals with laser safety if you want to see it click, Laser pointer usage tips / How to stay safe and out of jail / ion-checkmark-round, FAQs and media info // ion-information-circled, Aviation laser strikes info / Video, pilot tips, eyewear, stats / ion-android-plane, 2018 SAE laser mitigation recommendations, Consumer laser eye injury info / Injury severity & number of injuries / ion-eye, Laser use during protests /Potential harm to police etc./ ion-alert, If you are harassed by lasers // ion-ios-medical, If you are hit by a laser beam / Injury diagnosis and treatment / ion-medkit, If your camera is hit by a beam // ion-ios-camera, How to report a laser incident // ion-chatbubble-working, How to reduce incidents / For users, sellers, pilots, regulators / ion-android-bulb, News / Incidents, statistics and more, Index to news stories (categories & tags), Sentences for laser offenses / A list of persons fined or jailed / ion-sad-outline, Laser pointer laws / Plus proposed & suggested laws /ion-ios-world. Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. "Law enforcement officer" means any police officer, peace officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, correctional officer, probation or parole officer, emergency management employee, judge, magistrate, or any employee of a governmental agency who is authorized by law to engage in the investigation, arrest, prosecution, or supervision of the incarceration of any person for any violation of law and has statutory powers of arrest. On a conviction for a second or subsequent offense, the offender shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than two years nor more than ten years and shall be fined four thousand dollars. E. September 1, 2007. In addition, some states and localities require registration or regulation of the lasers, show equipment and/or the laser operators. - Regulating the use of laser pointers. WHEREAS, the Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to parents and school officials about the possibility of eye damage to children from hand-held laser pointers. In December 2012, the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health began recommending labeling with the following, or similar, language: CAUTION - LASER LIGHT IS BRIGHT AND BLINDING - DO NOT SHINE AT AIRCRAFT OR VEHICLES AT ANY DISTANCE. This label is a recommendation only, and is not a requirement, because FDA does not have statutory authority over non-health hazards such as distraction or temporary flash blindness. Miscellaneous laser info / High power; projectors; weapons, Laser dazzle and glare / A scientific definition / ion-ios-flower, Links / Articles, websites, courses / ion-link, About LaserPointerSafety.com // ion-person, Sponsorship opportunities / Help support LaserPointerSafety.com / ion-trophy, Important Information for Laser Pointer Manufacturers, proposing to amend the Federal Performance Standard for Laser Products, Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968, Section 13-1213 Aiming a laser pointer at a peace officer or an occupied aircraft; classification; definition. ORDINANCE NO. A person who violates this act shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $500 for the first offense and not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed thirty (30) days, in the [sic -- missing word?] Georgia Code 16-11-45 (2022) - Use of Laser Against Aircraft :: 2022 Seller collects sales tax for items posted to the following states: State Sales tax rate * Tax applies to subtotal + postage & handling for these states only . Code 1981, 16-11-45 , enacted by Ga. L. 2012, p. 1142, 2/SB 441. - Regulating the sale and possession of laser pointers to persons under the age of 17. Some jurisdictions take it further and flat-out prohibit young people from possessing laser pointers. All laser pointers that are available to the Australian public must have a radiant power output of less than 1 milliwatt. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. The fine for a second offense is $30,000.00. In the NJ Criminal Code, under N.J.S.A. You must fill out and submit FDA Form 3632 to the agency. There are three main ways: What about projectors said to be simple for audience scanning? But if a child is using the laser pointer, it will typically require supervision. 2C:33-14, it is unlawful for a person to purposely or knowingly shine, point, or focus a laser beam upon a person operating any vehicle. Legal Interpretation of 14 CFR 91.11, Interference with a Crewmember via Laser. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. (1) A person commits the offense of unlawful directing of light from a laser pointer if the person knowingly directs light from a laser pointer at another person without the consent of the other person and the other person is: (a) A peace officer as defined in ORS 161.015 who is acting in the course of official duty; or "Police officer" shall include commissioned police officers, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, marshals, deputy marshals, correctional officers, constables, wildlife enforcement agents, and probation and parole officers. Basically, if it feels like the perfect prank, it's probably not OK. Proof that is demanded, presented, and reasonably relied upon for the individual's proof of age is a defense to an action initiated pursuant to this subsection. Do not submit it using the same procedure as submitting variances; the procedure is different. US: (For reference) Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968, US: (For reference) FDA Import Alert 95-04, Below is from the October 16 2019 Food and Drug Administration Import Alert 95-04, also known as the "Red List". @~g+!0 FtS`0%frtE\D9 As added by P.L.70-2000, SEC.1. If you make your own laser projector and use it only in your home (e.g., it is not "entered into commerce") then both the projector and the show would not be required to be reported to FDA. FAA will issue either a "letter of non-objection", or they will object to one or more elements of the show. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Dot Beam Green Laser Pointer Pen 532nm Show Lazers Projector DJ Stage Party Bar at the best online prices at eBay! (signed by the City Clerk). What should be done about laser pointers? The short answer is no, normally you cannot permit laser light to touch or go near the audience or performers. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, on this 25th day of August, 1998. US: FDA/CDRH recommends aircraft/vehicle caution label. When President Obama signed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, he made it a federal crime to shine a laser beam at or in the flight path of aircraft. On October 25 2016, the Food and Drug Administration proposed sweeping changes to U.S. federal laser pointer laws. Laser shows and displays used outdoors trigger special requirements from the FDA. Laser safety tech info / Calculations, classifications, data / ion-ios-calculator, Laser safety studies // ion-pie-graph, 2002: Understanding levels of vision loss, 2006: Countering laser pointer threats to road safety. Current trends now place emphasis on classification, controls, and training. Humble laser pointers, used by thousands of skygazers to show beginners the way to stars and constellations, is coming under fire from U.S. federal and state authorities following thousands of incidents in which laser beams have "painted" aircraft in flight. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORTH MYRTLE BEACH PROVIDING THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF NORTH MYRTLE BEACH BE AMENDED BY REVISING CHAPTER 16 "OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS" ARTICLE I, "IN GENERAL," SECTION 16 TO REGULATE THE USE OF LASER DEVICES.BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA, IN COUNCIL DULY ASSEMBLED, THAT:WHEREAS, laser pointers are small handheld devices, usually battery operated, equipped with a laser diode emitting a very narrow laser beam of visible light, intended to be used to highlight something of interest by illuminating it with a small bright spot of colored light; andWHEREAS, laser pointers are often used in educational and business presentations for visual demonstrations as a pointing device, are useful in the construction setting, and for certain gun sights; however, if they are aimed at a person's eyes, they can cause temporary disturbances to vision, and in some cases permanent retinal damage; andWHEREAS, when pointed at aircraft at night, laser pointers may cause spatial disorientation, and otherwise dazzle and distract pilots at critical times, and have been used maliciously to distract or annoy individuals on the ground as well as in the air; andWHEREAS, recently there has been a proliferation of lasers in the marketplace, particularly higher powered lasers of greater than 1 milliwatt output and brighter color (e.g. Contact us. . (4) Aiming the beam at any car, truck, bicycle, motorcycle, bus, golf cart, boat or other watercraft, airplane, helicopter or other aircraft, or any other type of motorized or non-motorized vehicle while it is occupied or being operated by a person. U.S. national laws, including FDA/CDRH: 21 CFR 1040.10/11, assert that it is illegal to aim laser pointer beams at aircraft or its flight path. (B) It is unlawful to sell a laser device to an individual who does not present upon demand proper proof of age. Pilot exposure to the beam can result in flash blindness, glare and distraction in the immediate task of piloting the aircraft. Chapter 784 Section 062 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate 574.110 - Missouri Revisor of Statutes Laser Laws & Enforcement | Federal Aviation Administration Is a laser flashlight a "laser" in California? 2010: How bright for green astronomy pointers? Note: 163.709 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 163 or any series therein by legislative action. (b) Sentence. Annual Report (due Sept. 1 of each year): FDA Form 3636, Each year you must submit FDA Form 3636, ". TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 77 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE SALE, POSSESSION, AND USE OF CERTAIN LASER POINTING DEVICES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, EXEMPTIONS, AND REMEDIES.Amend Title To ConformBe it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:Whereas, laser pointers are small, handheld devices, usually battery operated, equipped with a laser diode emitting a very narrow laser beam of visible light, intended to be used to highlight something of interest by illuminating it with a small bright spot of colored light; andWhereas, laser pointers are often used in educational and business presentations for visual demonstrations as a pointing device, are useful in the construction setting, and for certain gun sights; however, if they are aimed at a person's eyes, they can cause temporary disturbances to vision, and in some cases permanent retinal damage; andWhereas, when pointed at aircraft at night, laser pointers may dazzle and distract pilots at critical times, and have been used maliciously to distract or annoy individuals on the ground as well as in the air; andWhereas, due to their appeal as a recreational device and low cost to manufacture, there has been a recent proliferation of lasers in the marketplace, particularly higher powered lasers of greater than one milliwatt output which feature brighter colors; andWhereas, especially because of these higher powered lasers, with the resulting increase in their intensity and range, and extra potential hazard when pointed at objects and people, there also has been a dramatic escalation in the number of incidents in which damaging laser beams are being directed at people and aircraft; andWhereas, the United States Coast Guard, Charleston Sector, has reported several recent cases where pilots were forced to land their aircraft and abort missions during search and rescue operations after being hit with laser beams that are particularly debilitating when the pilot is wearing night vision equipment; andWhereas, during the summer of 2012, there were more than seventy reported incidents of aircraft being hit by lasers in and around the Myrtle Beach International Airport alone; andWhereas, it is the will of the General Assembly to provide for the public's health, safety, and welfare through the regulation of the sale, possession, and use of laser pointing devices. AN ACT relative to shining a laser pointing device at an aircraft or vessel, or at another person. The aviation law incident was investigated by the FBI as well as Cathedral City police. Now, therefore,Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:SECTION 1. (1) Aiming the beam at or into a structure or any portion thereof in such a manner as to be visible from the inside of the structure. Passed as Section 311 of H.R. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 799. In the most notorious case, on January 4, 2005, New Jersey stargazer David Banach was . MICHIGAN, city of Dearborn: Unlawful to harass, MINNESOTA: Crime to aim laser into cockpit, Beginning August 1, 2009, a new Minnesota law (SF1408) makes it a gross misdemeanor when a person "knowingly aims and discharges a laser or other device that creates visible light into the cockpit of an aircraft that is in the process of taking off or landing or is in flight. However, recent price reductions have led to wider marketing, and the City Council is concerned about the promotion and use of these products as childrens toys; and. Sec. It's especially not OK to aim laser pointers at anyone in uniform. State Radiation Authorities: Laser pointers of more than 1mW are illegal to own, use and trade. In addition to the Laser Show Variance, you must also submit FDA Form 3640, ". 658, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, signed into law by the President on February 14 2012. Laser hazards and safety | ARPANSA (A) It is unlawful for an individual to sell a laser device to a minor under the age of eighteen years. endobj It is the merchant's responsibility to obtain proof from the seller/vendor wholesaler. Laser Pointer Laws In The Pacific Northwest - CosmosPNW Laser beams can temporarily blind or disorient an operator of an airplane, helicopter or vehicle when the beam is directed toward them.