Unlawful Use of a Laser Pointer

Utah Code tit. 76, ch. 76-9, pt. 76-9-P17

in effect

Utah Code § 76-9-1701 Definitions.

76-9-1701. Definitions. As used in this part: (1) "Aircraft" means the same as that term is defined in Section 72-10-102. (2) "Laser light" means light that is amplified by stimulated emission of radiation. (3) "Laser pointer" means any portable device that emits a visible beam of laser light that may be directed at an individual. (4) "Law enforcement officer" means an officer under Section 53-13-103. Enacted by Chapter 173, 2025 General Session

Utah Code § 76-9-1702 Unlawful use of a laser pointer against a motor vehicle.

76-9-1702. Unlawful use of a laser pointer against a motor vehicle. (1) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 and 76-9-1701 apply to this section. (2) An actor commits unlawful use of a laser pointer against a motor vehicle if the actor directs a beam of laser light from a laser pointer at a moving motor vehicle or the occupants of a moving motor vehicle. (3) A violation of Subsection (2) is an infraction. (4) If the violation of this section constitutes an offense subject to a greater penalty under another provision of this title than is provided under this section, this section does not prohibit the prosecution and sentencing for the offense subject to a greater penalty. Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 173, 2025 General Session

Utah Code § 76-9-1703 Unlawful use of a laser pointer against an aircraft.

76-9-1703. Unlawful use of a laser pointer against an aircraft. (1) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 and 76-9-1701 apply to this section. (2) An actor commits unlawful use of a laser pointer against an aircraft if the actor directs a beam of laser light from a laser pointer at an aircraft or the occupants of an aircraft. (3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor. (b) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(c), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor if the actor previously has been convicted of a violation of Subsection (2). (c) A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the actor's conduct causes an aircraft to crash or perform an emergency landing. (4) If the violation of this section constitutes an offense subject to a greater penalty under another provision of this title than is provided under this section, this section does not prohibit the prosecution and sentencing for the offense subject to a greater penalty. Enacted by Chapter 173, 2025 General Session

Utah Code § 76-9-1704 Unlawful use of a laser pointer against a law enforcement officer.

76-9-1704. Unlawful use of a laser pointer against a law enforcement officer. (1) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 and 76-9-1701 apply to this section. (2) An actor commits unlawful use of a laser pointer against a law enforcement officer if the actor directs a beam of laser light from a laser pointer at an individual who the actor knows or has reason to know is a law enforcement officer. (3) A violation of Subsection (2) is a class C misdemeanor. (4) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under Subsection (2) that: (a) the law enforcement officer was: (i) not in uniform; (ii) not traveling in a vehicle identified as a law enforcement vehicle; and (iii) not otherwise engaged in an activity that would give the actor reason to know the law enforcement officer to be a law enforcement officer; and (b) the law enforcement officer was not otherwise known by the actor to be a law enforcement officer. (5) If the violation of this section constitutes an offense subject to a greater penalty under another provision of this title than is provided under this section, this section does not prohibit the prosecution and sentencing for the offense subject to a greater penalty. Enacted by Chapter 173, 2025 General Session

Source: Utah Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (le.utah.gov)URL: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter9/76-9-P17.html?v=C76-9-P17_2025050720250507Fetched: 10/26/2026