Laser pointers may seem like a toy, office tool, or game. Pointed to the sky, lasers are a serious threat.  A laser can incapacitate pilots, putting thousands of passengers at risk every year. Pilots reported 13,304 laser strikes to the FAA in 2023.

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime. U.S. law enforcement agencies and the Federal Aviation Administration may seek criminal and civil prosecution against violators. 

People who shine lasers at aircraft face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. The FAA issued $120,000 in fines for laser strikes in 2021. 

You can help reduce laser strikes on airplanes.

• Report laser strikes to the FAA and local law enforcement agencies.
• FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker discusses the dangerous uptick in laser strikes.
• Watch a video to learn more about the dangers of laser strikes.
• See Laser report data by year.