Are lasers illegal in the US?

Lasers are not inherently illegal in the United States, but their use and ownership are regulated based on specific circumstances and applications, particularly when it comes to safety concerns, military use, and public safety. Here's a breakdown of how lasers are regulated in different contexts:

1. Laser Pointers

Laser pointers, commonly used for presentations or in other professional settings, are legal to own and use in the U.S., but there are restrictions on their power output and usage.

• Laser Pointer Regulations: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates laser products, including laser pointers, to ensure they meet safety standards. The FDA restricts the power output of laser pointers to 5 milliwatts (mW) or less for consumer use. This is because lasers with higher outputs can cause eye injuries or skin burns.
• Misuse of Laser Pointers: Although owning and using low-powered laser pointers is legal, misusing them can lead to legal consequences. For example:
  • Pointing laser pointers at aircraft is a federal crime. Pointing a laser at an aircraft, especially a piloted plane, can impair the pilot’s vision and is considered dangerous and illegal. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the FBI have strict penalties for such actions, including fines and prison sentences. This has become a growing concern as laser pointer incidents near airports have increased.
  • Laser pointers used to harass or threaten people (for example, pointing them at other people or animals in a way that causes harm or fear) can also lead to criminal charges.

2. High-Powered Lasers

High-powered lasers, such as those used in industrial, scientific, and military applications, are legal but are subject to strict regulations due to their potential to cause harm.

• Class IV Lasers: These are powerful lasers used in industrial, medical, or scientific applications. They can cause severe eye damage and are regulated by the FDA and other agencies for safety standards, requiring that manufacturers follow strict labeling, safety measures, and equipment standards.
• Military Lasers: The use of lasers as weapons (such as directed-energy weapons) is highly regulated. The U.S. military has developed lasers for defensive purposes (e.g., missile defense, disabling enemy drones) and offensive capabilities. These technologies are classified and tightly controlled, and their deployment is governed by international treaties and laws of war.

3. Laser Weapons

The use of lasers as weapons is strictly controlled under various international laws and U.S. military regulations.

• International Law: The United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) restricts the use of weapons that cause excessive injury or suffering. Blinding lasers (which could be used to permanently blind enemies) are banned under the Protocol IV of the CCW, which prohibits the use of lasers that specifically target or cause permanent blindness.
• U.S. Military Regulations: The U.S. military has developed laser weapon systems, like those for missile defense (e.g., Laser Weapon System (LaWS)), but these are highly restricted and governed by classified protocols. While lasers are used for defense (e.g., directed-energy systems to disable missiles or drones), they are subject to strict oversight and international arms control treaties.

4. Laser Flashlights and Laser Guns

• Laser Flashlights: Some tactical flashlights or devices combine lasers with flashlights, and their use is generally legal, as long as they comply with safety standards. However, powerful laser flashlights could be dangerous and regulated, especially if they exceed certain power limits.
• Laser Guns: Lasers used as weapons, such as in laser guns (often seen in science fiction), are not part of the civilian market and would fall under the category of firearms if they were designed to cause harm. While laser-based non-lethal weapons do exist (e.g., laser dazzlers used by law enforcement), their use is regulated by law enforcement agencies and is tightly controlled.

5. Laser Weapons for Law Enforcement

Some law enforcement agencies use non-lethal laser weapons for crowd control or incapacitating individuals without causing permanent injury. These systems are often dazzlers, which use lasers to temporarily blind or disorient individuals, but they are typically restricted to law enforcement and military applications.

6. Laser Use in Consumer Electronics

Lasers are commonly used in everyday consumer electronics, such as:

• CD/DVD players and Blu-ray players
• Laser printers
• Barcode scanners

These lasers are typically low-powered and meet strict safety regulations set by the FDA to avoid harm to consumers. As long as these products comply with safety standards, they are legal.

7. Laser Hair Removal and Medical Use

Laser devices are also widely used for medical purposes, such as laser hair removal, skin treatments, and laser surgery. These devices are regulated by the FDA to ensure that they meet safety standards and that their use does not pose a risk to patients.

Summary of Legal Considerations:

• Laser pointers are legal but are regulated by power output and use. Misusing them, especially around aircraft, is illegal.
• High-powered lasers for industrial or scientific purposes are legal but require proper safety precautions.
• Laser weapons (for military or law enforcement use) are highly regulated and generally not available to the public.
• Laser products used in consumer electronics, medical treatments, and industrial applications are legal if they meet regulatory standards.
• International law and military protocols govern the use of military lasers to ensure compliance with safety and ethical guidelines.

Conclusion:

Lasers are not illegal in the U.S. under normal circumstances, but they are subject to regulations, especially when it comes to their use as weapons or in a way that could endanger public safety. Misuse of lasers, such as pointing them at aircraft or using them inappropriately in public spaces, is illegal and subject to criminal penalties. If you're using lasers for recreational, industrial, or scientific purposes, make sure to follow any relevant regulations to ensure safety and avoid legal trouble.