Table of Contents Sexual Abuse Defined and Examples of Child...
Read MoreTable of Contents
- What Are Laser Pointers?
- Australian Law on Laser Pointers
- Can a Green Laser Blind You?
Are Laser Pointers Illegal In Australia?
Laser pointers have gained popularity for various applications, from presentations to stargazing. However, the potential risks associated with these handheld devices have raised questions about their legality and safety, especially in countries like Australia. Laser pointers that exceed an output of 1 milliwatt is illegal in Australia.
We will not take a look into the regulations surrounding laser pointers in Australia and address the critical issue of whether a green laser can cause blindness.
What Are Laser Pointers?
Laser pointers are hand-held battery-operated devices designed to emit a focused beam of laser light. They are used for a multitude of purposes, including presentations, astronomy, and educational demonstrations. Laser pointers are categorised based on their power output, measured in milliwatts (mW), which determines the strength of the emitted laser beam.
Australian Law on Laser Pointers
In Australia, laser pointers are considered potentially dangerous items, and their use is heavily regulated. This is due to the risk they pose to public safety and the potential for eye injury. The importation, possession, and use of high-power laser pointers, especially those exceeding 1 milliwatt (mW), are strictly controlled by Australian law.
Prohibited Weapons
Under Australian law, any handheld laser that emits a laser beam with an output exceeding 1 mW is classified as a prohibited weapon. Possession or use of such a device without a valid reason or authorisation is illegal and may result in severe penalties.
Possessing a laser pointer without the proper authorisation can lead to a maximum of 14 years of imprisonment as outlined in section 7 of the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW).
In order to obtain a weapons permit, one must qualify under one of three permit categories: general, weapons dealer, or theatrical weapons armourer. Each category grants specific allowances for the possession and use of prohibited weapons.
Additionally, the Weapons Act specifies penalties of up to 5 years of imprisonment for acquiring a laser pointer without the required permit for possession.
Retinal Damage and Eye Injury
One of the primary concerns regarding laser pointers, especially high-power laser pointers, is the potential for causing eye injury. When a laser beam comes into contact with the eye, it can cause retinal damage, leading to vision impairment or, in severe cases, blindness. The retina is a sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye that is crucial for vision.
Can a Green Laser Blind You?
Green lasers, in particular, are known to be potentially more dangerous than other colours. This is because the human eye is more sensitive to green light, making it more susceptible to damage. Even low-powered green lasers can cause harm if aimed directly at the eye.
The Blink Reflex
One of the body’s natural defences against bright light is the blink reflex. When a person is exposed to a sudden, intense light source, the eyes instinctively close to protect the retina. However, this reflex is not fool proof, especially when dealing with laser beams that emit highly concentrated light.
International Perspectives
The regulations surrounding laser pointers are not unique to Australia. Countries around the world, including the United States, have implemented strict guidelines regarding the use and possession of high-power laser pointers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, for instance, enforces regulations to ensure that laser products meet safety standards.
Purpose of Aiming and Targeting
It is important to note that laser pointers are intended for purposes of aiming and targeting, not for casual or recreational use. Their focused beams are meant for specific applications and should not be directed towards people, animals, or vehicles.
Educational and Professional Use
Despite the potential dangers associated with laser pointers, they do serve legitimate educational and professional purposes. In educational settings, laser pointers can be invaluable tools for teachers and lecturers to emphasise specific points on a screen or board. Similarly, in professional fields like astronomy, lasers are used for pointing out celestial objects during presentations or public outreach events.
Accordingly, laser pointers are subject to strict regulations in Australia, especially those with high-power outputs. The potential for eye injury and retinal damage necessitates these measures to protect public safety. Green lasers, due to their increased sensitivity to the human eye, pose a particular risk. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the legal restrictions and exercise caution when handling laser pointers, ensuring they are used responsibly and for their intended purposes of aiming and targeting.
If you have been charged with a prohibited weapon offence in NSW, contact our assault lawyers in Sydney. We will provide you with free legal advice for up to 15 minutes over the phone with one of our leading criminal defence lawyers.
Assault Lawyers In Sydney
Send An Online Enquiry
“Thank you Lyons Law Group on providing me an
exceptional service delivered with care, compassion
and a high level of professionalism. The outcome
was more than what I had expected. A true
reflection of your legal expertise and experience.
Thank you Mohammad and team.”
Our Recent Articles
Can You Record a Police Officer In NSW?
Table of Contents The Law Obstructing a Police Officer In...
Read More
My Partner Has Asked for a Divorce, Your Legal Options
My Partner Has Asked for a Divorce, Your Legal Options...
Read More
First Time Drug Supply Charges NSW
Table of Contents Drug Supply Offences Trafficable vs. Indictable Quantities...
Read MoreWhat Our Clients Say About Us
Subject: Thank YouDear Mohammad, Hijran and Team at Lyons’s Law,I hope this message finds you well. I want to express my sincere gratitude for your unwavering commitment to my case. Your professionalism, patience, and guidance throughout the process were invaluable and ultimately led to a winning outcome.I fully recommend your services to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you once again for everything you've done.Best regards,Trav
Mohammad Khan was outstanding . Highly Professional , compassionate and well versed in the law.. Mohammad instilled confidence and kept us informed the entire time . We highly recommend the firm
Lyons Law Mohammed khan,hijran, and the team have done the fantastic work.The team is really knowledgeable, professional, and capable of doing the law work.I highly recommend Lyons lawyer and especially Mr. Khan.
Lyons lawyers, principal solicitor khan, Hijran and the staff have been absolutely fantastic, friendly and efficient, If you are in need of a law firm that genuinely cares, I highly recommend Lyons lawyers.
I engaged Hijran from Lyons Law. She was fantastic. She studied my case closely, even after understanding my record was well below average She decided to assist me. She conducted herself well, was always prompt, professional and helpful. She explained my best and worst outcome. She worked diligently and got me the best outcome NO CONVICTION!!! I would like to extend my gratitude to Hijran. Thank you so much.
Lyons Law Group provides such a holistic experience. Such exceptional services and could not recommend, Mohammad, Hijran and the team enough. Sound communication and always going above and beyond. The team represented a family member of mine that achieved the best outcome because of the quality of work and time invested into the matter. From my family, to the dream team at Lyons Law Group, thank you!
"Absolutely fantastic lawyer! Enis Erdem is a true professional who handles cases with skill, dedication, and genuine concern for their clients. He kept me informed throughout the entire process, making sure I understood every step. Enis Erdem is not only knowledgeable but also empathetic, which made a stressful legal situation much more manageable. I can't thank him enough for their outstanding work!"Highly recommended
I had Mr khan who is the principal solicitor represent me today, Mr khan fought for me all the way and got me the best result possible. I would highly recommend him for all your law matters and can confidently say that he strives his best for his clients.
I found Lyons Law to be pro-active and easy to work with when dealing with the recent court case of my son.
Mohammad and the team at the Lyons Law Group are a great to work with, they are polite and go above and beyond to help. We are very happy with the assistance they provided our family. I'd highly recommend the team at Lyons Law Group!
Mr Khan has extensive knowledge of the law and I am very much delighted about his service.
Mohamad and Hijran are professional and straight to the point team. Highly recommended.
Mohammad and his time are the greatest criminal lawyers I have dealt with, they are extremely professional and can assist with any cases, big or small.
Mr Khan was so polite and helpful in directing me to the best possible outcome for my situation. The amount of support and knowledge they offered me was next to none. I didn’t feel like I was being mislead or looked at like a piggy bank. Mr khan and his team have your best interest into getting the best outcome. Pleasure guys kind regards Dr bernoussi
Lyons Law Group is honestly outstanding ! Hijran especially, not only is she so professional but she does her best and always is there to answer all questions with such understanding. Hijran honestly goes above and beyond and I'll forever be grateful. I highly recommend Lyons Group.
A big thank you to Lyons law group, very professional. Mohammad was exceptionally well and handled my case amazing as well as Hijran!!! They really care about your case, I highly recommend this company!
I cannot express my gratitude to the Lyons law team with a big special mention to Mohammad. Having spent the last few years enduring and coping with the most difficult and stressful situation of me and my family's life.I have been using Mohammad and the team at Lyons Law from day one. They guided us through each difficult process in the most professional manner with full transparency, care and compassion.Through each difficult process up to the very last moment they only delivered results that exceeded every and anything we could have expected. Every outcome was exactly as planned and in turn got amazing results.So once again I cannot recommend Mohammad and the team at Lyons law enough. So like I and my Family did, have confidence that Lyons law will always strive for and deliver the best possible outcome.
A BIG thank you to Lyons Law Group with helping me achieve the best outcome for my case. From day one they were very professional, straight to the point and very easy to communicate with, keeping me updated and informed with everything I needed to know. Honestly, exceptional service and support.Thank you once again to Mohammad & Team.
Lyons Law Group is amazing. They are very professional, sympathetic, and helpful. I was kept informed during every step. The level of support was second to none. Mohammad went above and beyond and updated me regularly. Hijram too was amazing. Her calls and court representation made me feel at ease. This was a great experience. I cannot recommend Lyons Law Group enough. My gratitude extends to all involved in the handling of my case.
