Baltimore, MD – The Maryland State Police is urging residents to think twice before pointing laser pointers toward the sky, warning that the act poses a serious threat to aircraft and could lead to hefty fines or jail time.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes in 2024, a dangerous trend that can temporarily blind or disorient pilots, putting passengers and crew at risk.
Police say pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime. Offenders can face fines up to $32,646 per incident and possible criminal prosecution. The FAA issued over $120,000 in fines in 2021 alone for similar violations.
Under Maryland Criminal Law Article §3–807, it is illegal to knowingly and willfully shine, point, or focus a laser beam at a person operating an aircraft. Penalties include up to three years in prison, a $2,500 fine, or both.
Officials remind the public to never aim a laser at an aircraft and to report laser strikes to both local law enforcement and the FAA.
