Laser Pointer Laws in Arizona: A.R.S. 13-1213
While laser pointers may seem like harmless tools, even toys, using them inappropriately can have serious ramifications.
Arizona law defines a laser pointer as “any device that emits an intense beam of light amplified by stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation.”
According to A.R.S. 13-1213, laser pointer laws in Arizona are as follows:
Pointing a Laser Pointer at a Peace Officer
A person commits aiming a laser pointer at a peace officer if the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly directs the beam of light from a laser pointer at another person and the person knows or reasonably should know that the other person is a peace officer.
Intentionally or knowingly aiming a laser pointer at a peace officer is a class 5 felony. A first-time offender could face up to 2.5 years of incarceration.
Recklessly aiming a laser pointer at a peace officer is a class 1 misdemeanor, for which the offender could be incarcerated for up to 6 months.
Pointing a Laser Pointer at an Occupied Aircraft
A person commits aiming a laser pointer at an occupied aircraft if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly directs the beam of light from a laser pointer at an aircraft and the person knows or reasonably should know that the aircraft is occupied.
Arizona defines as aircraft as “any vehicle that is used for flight in the air by buoyancy or by the dynamic action of air on the vehicle’s surfaces, including airplanes, gliders and helicopters.”
Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly aiming a laser pointer at an occupied aircraft is a class 2 felony if the act causes the pilot to crash the aircraft or perform an emergency landing. A first-time offender could face incarceration of up to 12.5 years.
Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly aiming a laser pointer at an occupied aircraft is a class 3 felony if the act renders the pilot unable to safely operate the aircraft. A first-time offender could face incarceration of up to 8.75 years.
Intentionally or knowingly aiming a laser pointer at an occupied aircraft is a class 6 felony. A first-time offender could face incarceration of up to 2 years.
Recklessly aiming a laser pointer at an occupied aircraft is a class 1 misdemeanor, for which the offender could be incarcerated for up to 6 months.
Why are Laser Pointers Dangerous?
As reported by Brenna Gauchat of AZCentral in 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration reported a record number of lasers pointed at aircrafts in 2023. Laser pointers can be highly detrimental to pilots and can result in serious risk to passengers.
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