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003
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 15 Jun 2007
Posts: 27
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 Posted: 6/16/07, 3:36 PM Post subject: Please inf |
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I've got a "buddy" who does not like lasers. He says there are "laws" (I am located in Illinois, in the United States) that say you can be charged with assault for using a laser pointer in the vicinity of other people. He says if others can see it, it is technically illegal, even if you have a 5mw green ebay laser (which is what I have now) that you are using to play with your pets. All of this sounds like a load of BULLSHIT and I'm pretty sure the only laser restrictions in Illinois are that you can't shine them at peace officers, or do obviously stupid things in public. And keep in mind we are dealing with a 5mw ebay greenie.
Does this sound like a load of BS to you as much as it does to me?
I have no idea where to find official laser laws and regulations for Illinois, and I want to get them to show this guy.
Can anybody give me some good links to them and please fill me in with your own words what I can and can't do? |
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Mr. Proper
Elite Laser
Joined: 31 Mar 2007
Posts: 240
Picture(s): 19
Movie(s): 8
Location: Schepdaal (Belgium)
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| Posted: 6/16/07, 4:03 PM Post subject: |
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I don't know about the regulations for illinois specific, but usually <5mW is allowed. The problems arise with higher powers. So your 5mW greenie is normally allowed, however there are some states and countries where only 2mW is allowed.
If your friend was right by saying that anything visible would be illegal, then a stupid laser pointer that you use for presentations would be illegal, yet a 300mW IR laser wouldn't.  Doesn't sound right he.
But with the higher powers, you won't get in trouble as long as you don't do anything stupid with it, or go waving it around too much in public.
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nero_design
Wicked Lasers God
Joined: 02 Sep 2005
Posts: 1463
Picture(s): 98
Movie(s): 1
Location: Australia
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| Posted: 6/16/07, 9:21 PM Post subject: |
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5mW would be lawful to buy and sell but anything OVER this output becomes Class 3B and eventually Class4.
Anyone with a green laser in the US should be careful not to use them in a way that could alarm the public. I think what your friend is trying to imply is that anyone with a laser that has a visible beam probably is using a Class 3B laser or higher and those are somewhat restricted as they can be misused. Owning one means that you have to use it responsibly. If people see your laser because you are shining it around the neighbourhood, they can report you for a variety of things so it's best to be sensible and avoid causing concern to the general public.
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* Laser Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/nero_design/pro1wickedlasers
* Always use appropriate laser-safe eyewear when using higher powered lasers. |
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003
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 15 Jun 2007
Posts: 27
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| Posted: 6/16/07, 10:33 PM Post subject: |
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My friend dosen't even know about mw and different classes and beam visibility. He thinks that the beam is only visible when there is dust in the air or steam/smoke...
And I would like to know any kinds of restrictions on IIIB lasers and up in IL because I will be purchasing one soon... |
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pseudonomen137
Wicked Lasers God
Joined: 17 Mar 2006
Posts: 3680
Picture(s): 1
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| Posted: 6/16/07, 10:50 PM Post subject: |
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| Does sound like BS, but remember that in addition to the FDA laws and other federal laws, there can be laws at the state, county, etc levels. You'd have to research the case for your specific area on all the levels laws can be implemented. |
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Rhith
Elite Laser
Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Posts: 134
Picture(s): 119
Movie(s): 5
Location: Florida
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| Posted: 6/17/07, 1:08 PM Post subject: |
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As far as I know just stay smart with it. Shining it AT other people can be consider deadly assault from what I have heard. But if you're in your backyard lighting stuff on fire and playing with your cats there should be no issues. And KEEP the safety sticker on otherwise it will instantly be considered "illegal".
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shikari_rock
Wicked Lasers Master
Joined: 26 Apr 2007
Posts: 979
Picture(s): 34
Movie(s): 1
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| Posted: 6/19/07, 7:46 AM Post subject: |
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I think that your "friend" just wants to get you in trouble.
If he's gettin on your nerves (if I had a friend like this...  ), tell him that you don't have it anymore. Well at least that's what I would do...  |
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Feihc117
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 16 Jun 2007
Posts: 53
Location: Chicago
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| Posted: 6/19/07, 5:30 PM Post subject: |
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| Hi, I live in Chicago, and I have so far had no problems with Class 3b and class 4 lasers, despite them being handhelds. I actually asked the CPD about it and they told me that shining it up into the sky was illegal, however owning one privately inside your residence was perfectly legal. |
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shikari_rock
Wicked Lasers Master
Joined: 26 Apr 2007
Posts: 979
Picture(s): 34
Movie(s): 1
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| Posted: 6/20/07, 5:15 AM Post subject: |
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| How do you get a class 4 hanheld that people can see? The strongest laser (hanheld) was the Spyder I. It's written in the guiness world records 2007. |
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003
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 15 Jun 2007
Posts: 27
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| Posted: 6/20/07, 10:59 PM Post subject: |
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| It was probably home made |
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shikari_rock
Wicked Lasers Master
Joined: 26 Apr 2007
Posts: 979
Picture(s): 34
Movie(s): 1
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| Posted: 6/21/07, 5:37 AM Post subject: |
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| 003 wrote: |
| It was probably home made |
That's just not possible. The average Joe just can't make a 500mW< green OR red OR blue hanheld. If it was, WL would have tons of these lasers. |
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Laser Ben
Wicked Lasers God
Joined: 26 Dec 2006
Posts: 1689
Picture(s): 376
Movie(s): 8
Location: Cupertino, California, USA
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| Posted: 6/23/07, 9:53 PM Post subject: |
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The Spyder I 300mW is NOT the highest power green laser pointer. The Hercules is a much higher power one, If you have a big enough budget, there is practically no limit to the power.
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Optyx
55mW Advanced Wicked Laser
Joined: 26 Jul 2007
Posts: 61
Location: Ontario, near Ottawa
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| Posted: 7/26/07, 7:36 PM Post subject: |
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| Laser Ben wrote: |
| The Spyder I 300mW is NOT the highest power green laser pointer. The Hercules is a much higher power one, If you have a big enough budget, there is practically no limit to the power. |
According to the Guiness Book, it's the highest powered handheld laser with a contained power source. Perhaps this is the source of the confusion.
As for the law, from most that I've seen it is when you are knowingly pointing the beam at people when the problems arise. Now it would really be difficult to claim that were didn't know where you were pointing, because of the fact that it would be glowing. Though at the very least, you could probably be charged anywhere for commiting mischeif.
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Kazamblam
Fusion Laser
Joined: 01 Sep 2006
Posts: 342
Movie(s): 14
Location: A cardboard box under the freeway
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| Posted: 7/29/07, 8:02 PM Post subject: |
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The worst thing to do is point it at a moving vehicle. Like cars or airplanes. Airplanes are the biggest issue. People have been sent to jail because they shined thier laser at an airplane. As well as Helicopters and other moving aerial vehicles That's the biggest one I know that goes for the Entire U.S.
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