New lazer laws

[Nevyn]

Well I've been looking at getting myself a laser pointer for awhile now so I can show my kids what they are looking at through the scope. After tonights news I think things are going to only get harder to own one!

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/play...604&src=y7news

[vindictive666 (John)]

just heard the story on the tv flaming idiot i say

[OneOfOne (Trevor)]

I just watched the news clip and the lasers they used for the story are of course MUCH more powerful than any of us would be likely to ever use. I wonder if the lasers used by the offenders are of this type or the more typical 5-30mW that we would use?

As for the potential 2 years sentence...go for it! I would prefer it if the sentence could be placed on any offender over the age of 12 (old enough to know better), and a thousand dollar fine would be a good addition too. As for people dropping rocks on cars (not quite a fair comparison) I would fire a rock at 100kph at them and see how they like it!

[erick (Eric)]

I've been thinking about this after reading the news clip (below). If a plane is targeted and the police find you out observing with a laser in your possession (appropriately approved, licenced etc.) how are they going to prove it was you without witnesses, photographs etc., given there is no physical evidence like bullets, fired weapons etc? However, the opposite also applies - if they haven't located anyone else, you would be a suspect and may well have great difficulty getting yourself out of that!

This is all so sad and annoying. I cannot get over the mentality or lack of it that would allow someone to point a laser beam at a plane!

Govt to get tough on lasers targeting planes

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) says the Federal Government is developing legislation that will include a two-year jail sentence for anyone convicted of shining laser beams at planes.
So far this year there have been around 80 cases of lasers being directed at planes across the country, with two incidents reported in Sydney last week.
CASA spokesman Peter Gibson says the lasers can be used from up to five kilometres away and it can be difficult to catch offenders, but tough new laws are about to be introduced.
"There is legislation on the way which will be Commonwealth legislation, so we would be able to apply it everywhere," he said.
"There will be up to a two-year jail penalty as well as fines, so that's on its way. They are also state offences under current state legislation."

[IanL]

I remember a story in the local rag back in Scotland where a police officer conducting speed traps in the remote highlands of Scotland pointed a laser speed gun at a passing military jet on exercise. The police officers radar gun suddenly stopped working.

Cutting it short he headed back to the local police office only to be asked in to the office by his boss to explain what he had been doing as he received a call from the local military police saying that if the plane had been fully loaded with weapons he would be dead.

The plane locked onto his laser or radar from the gun and sent a jamming signal to it which broke it. But worse of all he was told that the plane weapon systems went into automatic mode and if it had been fully loaded it would have dropped a bomb on him and the pilot would not be able to stop it.

[tornado33]

Andrews Communications still sell them, up to 20 mw
http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-co...10-andrews.htm

[jane68 (Jane)]

Hello from the north east of england! The ban is in place here yet, I have a 50 mw laser and use it VERY carefully. I have a feeling the ban on lasers is also to do with what they ATTRACT. Im not an official astronomer, just love looking up in general awe, and since I used the laser I've seen incredible things! You's lot MUST have seen something between you.

Jane

[renormalised (Carl)]

You wouldn't be allowed to have a 50mW laser out here. Too powerful and some idiots think it's funny to shine the light into people's eyes, planes etc.

Most sold here are fairly weak 5-20mW.

We just use them for general pointing and as a finder on our telescopes.

[AdrianF (Adrian)]

I have both a 10mW and a 50mW green laser and have been too worried to use them. I dont live under the air corridor but the Airport is only 3k as the crow flies or laser fires.
I didnt realise how bright they would be.

Adrian

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Nothing wrong with using them Adrian. Here in qld at least. As long as they are only used for their original purpose, as a pointer. Just don't point them low to the horizon and in the general direction of the airport.

[erick (Eric)]

For info - renewal of my Victorian Permit is coming up. I enquired and have been told:-

"Please be advised that all applications for a Chief Commissioner's
Approval Permit, as well as import permits to import weapons are
currently on hold due to the new legislation being implemented in August
2010. Upon implementation of the amendments to the legislation this office
will then be sending all renewals for approvals to individuals and
businesses who hold a CCP Approval."

I wonder what is in the new legislation

[AdrianF (Adrian)]

Part of my concern is I live in an area of "oldies" and I don't want to worry them too much. They are already worried when both my wife and I fire up the bikes and put our leather jackets on.

Adrian

[OneOfOne (Trevor)]

I received a letter a couple of weeks ago from Victoria Police indicating the penalties for selling restricted items to people under the age of 18 or without holding an appropriate liscence. I suggest that most of the changes "should" be concerning other items, such as guns, knives and other martial arts weapons. I know which I would rather....have someone threaten to attack you with a laser pointer or a gun/knife! Hopefully the legislation does not loose sight of the "real items" that it is meant to control and restrict. Having a pointer directed at you face at point blank range may dazzle you, having a gun pointed at you will more than dazzle!

[erick (Eric)]

Yep, got that letter, Trevor. Maybe that is the change to which they are referring.

[marki]

I have a 5mw green laser which is only ever used to point out objects when I run astronomy nights at the college I teach at. I am always extremely careful when I use it and would hate to lose it as a teaching tool. There are laws governing their use in WA but these do not seem to be enforced to any degree. I would like to see a licensing system here where users get proper training before being granted permission to buy and operate a laser. Like guns they should require a specific reason for use and there capacity limited (5mw is plenty for my purposes I have found). As for idiots who point them at aircraft and cars etc, throw the book at them.

Mark

[Jen]

well i tried to do the right thing and went to the Police Station about owning a 5mw green laser pointer and he said if im not using it in a public place then that is fine i dont need a permit and he sent me off on my merry way