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Utah statute

Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-1703 — Unlawful use of a laser pointer against an aircraft.

Current through 2026 General Session

Part of Part 17: Unlawful Use of a Laser Pointer, Utah Code.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-1703

Statutory text current through the 2026 General Session. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Utah.

Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-1703Primary source, current through the 2026 General Session
(1) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 and 76-9-1701 apply to this section. (2) An actor commits unlawful use of a laser pointer against an aircraft if the actor directs a beam of laser light from a laser pointer at an aircraft or the occupants of an aircraft. (3)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor. (3)(b) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(c), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor if the actor previously has been convicted of a violation of Subsection (2). (3)(c) A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the actor's conduct causes an aircraft to crash or perform an emergency landing. (4) If the violation of this section constitutes an offense subject to a greater penalty under another provision of this title than is provided under this section, this section does not prohibit the prosecution and sentencing for the offense subject to a greater penalty.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is unlawful use of a laser pointer against an aircraft a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?

It depends on the circumstances: unlawful use of a laser pointer against an aircraft ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-1703.

Base offense - laser pointer at aircraft: Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-1703(3)(a)) · Repeat offense: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-1703(3)(b)) · Offense causing crash or emergency landing: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-1703(3)(c))

Which Utah statute covers unlawful use of a laser pointer against an aircraft?

Unlawful use of a laser pointer against an aircraft is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-1703 (Unlawful use of a laser pointer against an aircraft).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.