18 U.S.C. § 39A — Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft

(a) Offense: It is a crime to knowingly aim the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft — or at that aircraft's flight path — while the aircraft is in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. The penalty is a fine under this title, imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both. (b) Laser Pointer Defined: A "laser pointer" means any device designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission, that emits a beam designed for the operator to use 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 laser pointer's beam at an aircraft or its flight path by: (1) an authorized individual conducting research and development or flight test operations for an aircraft manufacturer, the Federal Aviation Administration, or anyone else the FAA has authorized to conduct such operations; (2) members or elements of the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security acting in an official capacity for research, development, operations, testing, or training; or (3) 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 create additional exceptions by regulation, after public notice and comment, as necessary and appropriate. The Attorney General must give written notice of any proposed regulation to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, at least 90 days before the regulation becomes final.