Holiday Laser Lights Pointed Wrongfully Could Lead to Hefty Fines
As you are decking the halls and stringing up Christmas lights this holiday season, best be mindful of those laser light displays because if pointed in the wrong direction it could lead to a massive fine and completely ruin your holiday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The FFA reports that those festive laser lights may look great on your home but if pointed toward the sky they could blind pilots temporarily during their flight. Data shows that some of the laser light beams are known to travel up to 10,000 feet into the air. In a statement, laser lights pointed to the sky intentionally or non-intentionally in the wrong direction could lead to a civil penalty of up to $11,000 per violation. Already up to $30,800 have been dished out for multiple violations. FFA officials say you will not get a fine right of way but instead will be warned to fix the problem if it continues then you will be fined.
People who use laser pointers could face even heftier fines up to $250,000 or 5 years in prison, according to this report from KGW News
The FFA laser strikes have become a real big problem with some 8,550 laser strikes in 2021 thus far. The biggest strikes seem to occur during the holiday season. Since the FFA started keeping records in 2010, Texas, Florida, and California seem to be problem areas.
We've all done it before while decorating, we point the laser up at the trees because it looks really cool, just don't leave it there. So, this Christmas have fun decorating, use good judgment when using laser displays or otherwise the Grinch may come calling.