Use of laser against aircraft

(a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) ‘‘Laser’’ means any device that projects a beam or point of light by means of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation or a device that emits light which simulates the appearance of a laser. (2) ‘‘Laser pointer’’ means any device designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission that emits a beam designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark, or identify a specific position, place, item, or object. (b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this Code section, whoever knowingly and intentionally aims the beam of a laser pointer, or projects a laser, at an aircraft or at the flight path of an aircraft shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (c) Laser or laser pointer airspace uses that have been reviewed and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration are exempt from the provisions of this Code section. (Code 1981, § 16-11-45, enacted by Ga. L. 2012, p. 1142, § 2/SB 441.) Editor’s notes. — Ga. L. 2012, p. 1142, § 3/SB 441, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that this Code section applies to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2012.