Laser Pointer News:
L.A. bans laser pointers at demonstrations and marches, citing eye injuries.
Los Angeles on Tuesday outlawed the possession of laser pointers and laser-style devices during public demonstrations, rallies, protests or picket lines, citing two dozen cases in which police officers and residents suffered eye injuries.
Laser pointers have popped up at protests across the country, and have led to federal charges against a few protesters in Portland, Ore., outside the federal building there. Officers and some members of the public who have been targeted suffered temporary — and in a few cases, permanent — eye damage.
Pointing lasers at officers during Portland protests now leads to federal civil disorder felony allegations
Protesters gathered in downtown Portland on July 22, 2020, the 56th consecutive night of protests in then city. Later, Federal officers deployed crowd control munitions and tear gas at the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse
Federal rules for those owning or using lasers in the U.S.
In the U.S., it is legal under federal law to own a laser of any power. But often people talk about “illegal laser pointers”. This is somewhat confusing shorthand meaning that the manufacturer or seller illegally called a laser above 5 milliwatts a “pointer”, or illegally promoted it for pointing purposes.
Manufacturing and selling is illegal, not possession or safe use
Under federal law, it is perfectly legal to sell any laser above 5 mW as long as the laser complies with FDA/CDRH laser product requirements for labels, safety features, quality control, etc. AND as long as the laser is not promoted as a “laser pointer” or for pointing purposes.
If a laser over 5 mW is called a “pointer” or is sold for pointing purposes, the person doing the illegal action is the manufacturer or seller. If the consumer (end user) has a mislabeled or non-compliant laser, it is legal for them to possess it. We are unaware of any cases where a non-compliant consumer laser has been taken from its owner simply for being mislabeled or because it did not have the safety features of its class.
Of course, if a person uses a laser irresponsibly, then it may be confiscated. This confiscation could be done by private parties such as theater owners or concert promoters, or by police or other law enforcement officers.
What happens if I have an “illegal” (non-compliant) laser?
If a laser is found to be non-compliant, the manufacturer may be required by FDA to take corrective action such as offering a repair, recall or refund. However, it is not legally required for the owner to repair or turn in the laser. Consider a person who has a Toyota that is recalled for safety defects. If the person does not take their car to the dealer for corrective action, they still get to keep their car — the government cannot confiscate it.
A request for clearer terminology
As a side note, instead of using the term “illegal pointer” it is better to use “non-compliant laser” or to state that a laser is “illegally labeled” or “illegally manufactured”. This helps the general public understand that it is the laser itself that is not legal.
To help clarify this, think about “illegal drugs” or “illegal handguns”. In common usage, these phrases refer to drugs or guns which may meet all manufacturing and safety standards, but which are illegal for the public to own or use. But “illegal laser pointers” are the opposite: they are legal to own and use; the problem is that they do not meet manufacturing and marketing standards. So that’s why we ask for people to use more precise terms.
Some laser uses are regulated at the federal level
All laser products (devices) must be certified by the manufacturer to comply with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 11. In addition, there are three laser uses which must comply with these regulations. The uses are: 1) medical; 2) surveying, leveling and alignment (SLA); and 3) demonstration lasers used in a classroom, for advertising or for laser light shows. Laser pointers have traditionally been regulated as demonstration lasers.
In addition to these U.S. federal regulations under FDA/CDRH, there are federal OSHA regulations for occupational laser use, and some states and localities have their own laser regulations. For more information check the various pages in the Laser pointer laws section of this website including the Rules for U.S. sellers page and the U.S. laws page, and contact the FDA/CDRH. You can also contact a firm specializing in laser product and use compliance.
U.S. national, state and local laws
The following are some laws and regulations relating to laser pointers. This is not a comprehensive list, and it does not cover all laser-related laws (such as laws in Arizona, Texas, New York and elsewhere for the registration of laser equipment and/or laser show operators).
This list is intended to provide a starting point for additional research, and to illustrate how legislators attempt to define various terms and regulate various actions.