Laser Pointers Now Considered Controlled Weapons in Australia

by Tim Stevens on April 14, 2008 at 03:55 PM

Laser Pointers Considered Weapons in Australia

It seems the disturbingly common incidents we've seen in the US relating to improper laser pointer usage and the resulting arrests of those doing the pointing aren't exactly limited to the states. In Western Australia, such offenses have become so common that laser pointers have been classified as a "controlled weapon," meaning improper use could result in a $4,000 AU (about $3,700 U.S.) fine or 12 months in prison.

This change in classification comes after a series of incidents there similar to what we've seen in the U.S., where people of questionable intelligence have been caught pointing portable lasers at police and rescue helicopters, among other aircraft. Laser pointers, if shone into the eyes, at best can temporarily disorient the pilot and, at worst, can result in permanent blindness. That's no fun. We're no fans of arbitrary legislation against gadgets, but if that's what it takes to keep idiots from pointing these at aircraft, then we're on-board.

From the Herald Sun

Tags: breaking news, BreakingNews, crime, lasers, law

Comments

Bryan HalcoApr 16th 2008 4:00PM

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FIRST!!!

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RupertApr 21st 2008 10:07AM

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Switched? Is this the stupid person version of Engadget?

Your on board? of another piece of pointless legislation?

You really think that someone can point a laser at both the pilot and the co-pilot within seconds of each other and cause a crash?

That's a plane traveling at 180 - 300 mph, and probably with the nose pointing up slightly so you would have to be at least 10 miles in front of the plane. Not to mention the glass in the way which would reflect the majority of the light at that angle?

Seen any hand held lasers latterly brighter than the sun? No? Well how about just using a mirror? Would that not be 10,000 times brighter? Lets ban mirrors then, oh and glass for that matter. All those reflective windscreens on cars must be removed!

Rupert, BPhys

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Another wayApr 24th 2008 3:12AM

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As lasers by their very function produce a very narrow spectrum of light it would be very easy to put filters on the windows of aircraft and helecopters to stop laser wavelengths at common frequencies

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HuxOct 11th 2008 8:18AM

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blocking those wavelengths of light getting to the pilots would cause a visibility issue for them flying the airplane. many of the synthetic materials used to block out laser lights are colored like red cellophane they are also only effect for temporary protection .

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lazorsOct 28th 2008 5:03PM

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This is obviously targeting "Star Pointers", not the Radio Shack laser pointers. Let me clarify, a standard laser pointer has a range of about 1 mile (FCC regulated of course) and are much less intense then the sun. Star Pointers on the other hand, do not fall under this, but are still a laser. Star Pointers (ones that are about 300.00 or more) are 10 times greater then the sun, and can cast a beam of light for upwards of 20 miles, hence the reason they are used to point out stars, and in most cases are green in color. Yes a Star Pointer can cause almost instant blindness from two facts, one the intensity of the light, and two it does have the ability to burn if left in place for more then 3 seconds. A regular laser pointer can cause blindness, but can not burn.

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beamqMar 11th 2009 9:27PM

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High power laser pointers can be very dangerous.

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