Aiming a laser at an aircraft has been a federal offence for many years. We put a safety measure in place to protect Canadians from laser attacks on aircraft. Find out where the safety measure is in effect and if it affects you.
Many hand-held lasers are now prohibited
With some exceptions, it is now illegal to possess a hand-held laser over 1 milliwatt (mW) in public areas within:
- municipalities within the greater Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver regions
- a 10-kilometre radius of any airport and certified heliports
Understand the new safety measures
Find out when and where you can and can’t possess a hand-held laser pointer over 1 milliwatt.
Explore the interactive map
If you plan to use a laser outside, consult this map first.
Dangers of aiming a laser at an aircraft or into airspace
Understand why aiming a laser at an aircraft is illegal and a criminal offence.
Reporting a laser attack on an aircraft
How to report a laser attack to the police or Transport Canada.
Watch
Join the conversation
Let's talk lasers
We want to hear from businesses, retailers, consumers and air travellers about the best way to protect the public from unsafe use of lasers.
In the news
Feds exploring ‘all options’ to crack down on people aiming laser pointers at planes [The Canadian Press - February 16, 2018]
Lasers pointed at two planes landing at Calgary airport on Christmas Day [Calgary Sun – January 3, 2018]
Boy, 16, charged after police helicopter, 2 airliners struck by laser beam in Vaughan [CP24 – November 15, 2016]
Download
Download the infographic – Not a Bright Idea
Text description of the infographic
Not a bright idea
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is illegal and a criminal offence. And it’s happening more and more.
Offenders will be charged and could face fines up to $100,000, 5 years in prison – or both.
Lasers put the pilot, crew, passengers, and people on the ground at risk of injury or death.
If you see someone point a laser at an aircraft, report it to your local police.
#NotABrightIdea
tc.gc.ca/NotABrightIdea
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