Clearing things up

[Hazard]

I've been wanting to buy a new laser pointer lately so I checked this forum to know which ones I can buy and which ones I can't but I keep getting mixed messages and so I want to clear this up. I've got 2 questions that I want answered; 1. is it actually legal to own a laser pointer over 5mW? Some people say yes and others say no. And 2. can I bring a laser pointer with me on an airplane trip inside my carry-on luggage? Thanks for all the help :thanks:

 

[rpaloalto]

is it actually legal to own a laser pointer over 5mW?

yes it's legal to owen a laser pointer over 5mW, The 5mW law is set in place by the FDA. It only applies to the sale and importation of said device.

can I bring a laser pointer with me on an airplane

Technically yes you should be allowed to bring your laser on a airplane, in your carry on.
however this is up to the TSA agent who inspects your bag, It's their decision.
If it's a big scary pointer Arctic/RPL then you might have a issue.

 

[Hazard]

Thanks for the quick reply, now I can buy a laser pointer without too much worry

 

[Babalimje]

I was going on a family trip to Kauai and I thought that it would be cool to bring my laser to point to places and maybe scare some chicken there. (There are alot of wild chicken in Kauai) I was originally going to bring my 50mw pen style but then I brought my 200mW Handheld instead. I passed by 2 TSA agents and asked them if it was okay. They said it would be fine. 1 agent said, "As long is it won't cut through steel, Then I'm alright with it." When I got to luggage inspection, They pulled me over and took it out of my bag, kept me by the security and they went into a room. Came back out 2-3 minutes later and said You're good to go. I did not bring batteries because it can be explosive.

You could bring your laser with you but the downside is that it may delay you a bit.




Here's a list of items prohibited by the TSA

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm