Aiming a laser at an aircraft—Not a bright idea


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.

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    Download the infographic – Not a Bright Idea

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    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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