Are laser pointers illegal in Australia?

In recent years there has been an increase in the prominence of laser pointers and their use in various contexts.

A number of pieces of legislation in NSW deal with the legality of laser pointers and potential penalties.

What Are Laser Pointers?

Laser pointers are compact, battery-powered devices made to project a concentrated laser beam. They are categorised by their power output in milliwatts (mW) and vary in strength, dictating the intensity of the emitted beam.

Are Laser Pointers Illegal in NSW?

Laser pointers exceeding one milliwatt in power are illegal in NSW as they are classed as a prohibited weapon.

Section 11FA of the Summary Offences Act 1988 (NSW) makes it an offence for anyone in NSW to possess a laser pointer in a public place or use one without a reasonable excuse. The maximum penalty for this is $5500 and or two years in imprisonment.