Can you point a laser at a drone?

The short answer is yes, you can point a laser at a drone, but there are important caveats. Laser pointers can cause damage to drones, depending on the type of drone and the power of the laser. Depending on the jurisdiction, it may be illegal to point lasers at drones, and doing so could also have health and safety implications for operators and bystanders.

The general principle is that lasers can be harmful to both the drone and people nearby, even from relatively short distances. High-power lasers usually used for industrial purposes should never be pointed at a drone. Even lower-powered lasers can be a risk, depending on the type of drone. Some camera drones or ones that rely on sensors for navigation could be damaged by lasers. Also, due to their small size, even low-powered lasers can be a risk to a drone’s sensors.

Lasers can also cause harm to bystanders, particularly if they are staring at the drone when the laser is activated. Depending on the jurisdiction, pointing a laser at drones can be illegal. The United States has a federal law that forbids aiming laser pointers at aircraft, including drones, and some states have similar laws in place. Additionally, you should always be careful to avoid pointing a laser at people, vehicles, or buildings.

On the other hand, some drones are designed to withstand laser strikes due to the threat posed by laser-wielding adversaries. These drones may be made of stronger material or have sensors that are protected from laser damage.

Finally, you should always be sure to check with your local laws and regulations regarding the use of laser pointers before using one to aim at a drone. Not only could it be illegal, it can also be unsafe. If you do decide to point a laser at a drone, be sure to keep the beam away from people and any other objects.