§ 326-12. Laser pointers., Chapter 326. Peace and Good Order, Part II. General Legislation, Code of Ordinances, North Wildwood

Purpose. The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice makes it a criminal offense to use any system or device in a manner which would cause a reasonable person to believe that it is a "laser sighting system or device," as defined at N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(11), against a law enforcement officer acting in the performance of his duties while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of his authority. Each year incidents occur in the City of North Wildwood, typically during the summer season, in which a vessel, aircraft or law enforcement officer is illegally targeted with a laser pointer, often purchased in the City of North Wildwood. As a result, the illegal use of laser pointers creates risks and dangers for those targeted by the beam of the laser as well as for the residents of and visitors to the City of North Wildwood. The City of North Wildwood has a strong interest in banning the sale and possession of these devices as a means of eliminating their illegal use.

For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

LASER POINTER: Any device that is capable of projecting a beam of laser light and which may be used for aiming, targeting or pointing out features.

No person shall possess or offer to sell a laser pointer that exceeds one milliwatt in output power.

Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500 for a first offense and, for each subsequent offense, a fine of not more than $1,250 or imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days, or both.