Laser pointers classed as weapons in Western Australia
After incidents of Laser Pointers being used as a medium to distract plane and helicopter pilots, Western Australia has classified them as controlled weapons. Illegal owners will be fined up to $4,000 or face 12 months in jail. WA Police Minister John Kobelke says that ever since he has indicated restriction to laser pointers, the federal government will move to ban their importation. "These laser pointers, when used inappropriately, are not only a hazard to pilots at night, but place passengers and everyone on the ground at risk,'' Mr Kobelke said in a statement. "Instances of improper use not only relate to aircraft, but have been reported at sporting events, in road traffic and everyday situations.''
WA Police have reported people pointing lasers at a Royal Flying Doctor plane, a police helicopter, a rescue helicopter, and several commercial and private airplanes.
