Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act 2018
<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" xmlns:uk="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/UK-AKN" eId="section-1"><num>1</num><heading>Offence of shining or directing a laser beam towards a vehicle</heading><subsection eId="section-1-1"><num>(1)</num><intro><p>A person commits an offence if—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-1-1-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>the person shines or directs a laser beam towards a vehicle which is moving or ready to move, and</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-1-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>the laser beam dazzles or distracts, or is likely to dazzle or distract, a person with control of the vehicle.</p></content></level></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-2"><num>(2)</num><intro><p>It is a defence to show—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-1-2-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>that the person had a reasonable excuse for shining or directing the laser beam towards the vehicle, or</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-2-b"><num>(b)</num><intro><p>that the person—</p></intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-2-b-i"><num>(i)</num><content><p>did not intend to shine or direct the laser beam towards the vehicle, and</p></content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-2-b-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content><p>exercised all due diligence and took all reasonable precautions to avoid doing so.</p></content></level></level></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-3"><num>(3)</num><intro><p>A person is taken to have shown a fact mentioned in subsection (2) if—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-1-3-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue with respect to it, and</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-3-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>the contrary is not proved beyond reasonable doubt.</p></content></level></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-4"><num>(4)</num><intro><p>A person who commits an offence under this section is liable—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-1-4-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding <ins class="substitution first last" ukl:ChangeId="key-4ef4f1e12a5442b7bd873eac2ce3aa6a-1678284268252" ukl:CommentaryRef="key-4ef4f1e12a5442b7bd873eac2ce3aa6a"><noteRef uk:name="commentary" href="#key-4ef4f1e12a5442b7bd873eac2ce3aa6a" class="commentary"/>the general limit in a magistrates’ court</ins>, to a fine or to both;</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-4-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-4-c"><num>(c)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-4-d"><num>(d)</num><content><p>on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, to a fine or to both.</p></content></level></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-5"><num>(5)</num><content><p>In relation to an offence committed before <ins class="substitution first last" ukl:ChangeId="key-2423051e2c5114325efb4b739b55bcfb-1658411340068" ukl:CommentaryRef="key-2423051e2c5114325efb4b739b55bcfb"><noteRef uk:name="commentary" href="#key-2423051e2c5114325efb4b739b55bcfb" class="commentary"/>2 May 2022</ins>, the reference in subsection (4)(a) to <ins class="substitution first last" ukl:ChangeId="key-485f54c96af2a5b4484b02546f1dee3b-1678284253340" ukl:CommentaryRef="key-485f54c96af2a5b4484b02546f1dee3b"><noteRef uk:name="commentary" href="#key-485f54c96af2a5b4484b02546f1dee3b" class="commentary"/>the general limit in a magistrates’ court</ins> is to be read as a reference to six months.</p></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-6"><num>(6)</num><content><p>A mechanically propelled vehicle which is not moving or ready to move but whose engine or motor is running is to be treated for the purposes of subsection (1)(a) as ready to move.</p></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-7"><num>(7)</num><content><p>In relation to an aircraft, the reference in subsection (1)(b) to “<term refersTo="#term-a-person-with-control-of-the-vehicle" eId="term-a-person-with-control-of-the-vehicle">a person with control of the vehicle</term>” is a reference to any person on the aircraft who is engaged in controlling it, or in monitoring the controlling of it.</p></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-8"><num>(8)</num><content><p>In relation to a vessel, hovercraft or submarine, the reference in subsection (1)(b) to “<term refersTo="#term-a-person-with-control-of-the-vehicle" eId="term-a-person-with-control-of-the-vehicle">a person with control of the vehicle</term>” is a reference to the master, the pilot or any person engaged in navigating the vessel, hovercraft or submarine.</p></content></subsection></section>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-1-1"><num>(1)</num><intro><p>A person commits an offence if—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-1-1-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>the person shines or directs a laser beam towards a vehicle which is moving or ready to move, and</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-1-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>the laser beam dazzles or distracts, or is likely to dazzle or distract, a person with control of the vehicle.</p></content></level></subsection>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-1-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>the person shines or directs a laser beam towards a vehicle which is moving or ready to move, and</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-1-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>the laser beam dazzles or distracts, or is likely to dazzle or distract, a person with control of the vehicle.</p></content></level>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-1-2"><num>(2)</num><intro><p>It is a defence to show—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-1-2-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>that the person had a reasonable excuse for shining or directing the laser beam towards the vehicle, or</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-2-b"><num>(b)</num><intro><p>that the person—</p></intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-2-b-i"><num>(i)</num><content><p>did not intend to shine or direct the laser beam towards the vehicle, and</p></content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-2-b-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content><p>exercised all due diligence and took all reasonable precautions to avoid doing so.</p></content></level></level></subsection>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-2-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>that the person had a reasonable excuse for shining or directing the laser beam towards the vehicle, or</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-2-b"><num>(b)</num><intro><p>that the person—</p></intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-2-b-i"><num>(i)</num><content><p>did not intend to shine or direct the laser beam towards the vehicle, and</p></content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-2-b-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content><p>exercised all due diligence and took all reasonable precautions to avoid doing so.</p></content></level></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para2" eId="section-1-2-b-i"><num>(i)</num><content><p>did not intend to shine or direct the laser beam towards the vehicle, and</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para2" eId="section-1-2-b-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content><p>exercised all due diligence and took all reasonable precautions to avoid doing so.</p></content></level>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-1-3"><num>(3)</num><intro><p>A person is taken to have shown a fact mentioned in subsection (2) if—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-1-3-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue with respect to it, and</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-3-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>the contrary is not proved beyond reasonable doubt.</p></content></level></subsection>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-3-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue with respect to it, and</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-3-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>the contrary is not proved beyond reasonable doubt.</p></content></level>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" xmlns:uk="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/UK-AKN" eId="section-1-4"><num>(4)</num><intro><p>A person who commits an offence under this section is liable—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-1-4-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding <ins class="substitution first last" ukl:ChangeId="key-4ef4f1e12a5442b7bd873eac2ce3aa6a-1678284268252" ukl:CommentaryRef="key-4ef4f1e12a5442b7bd873eac2ce3aa6a"><noteRef uk:name="commentary" href="#key-4ef4f1e12a5442b7bd873eac2ce3aa6a" class="commentary"/>the general limit in a magistrates’ court</ins>, to a fine or to both;</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-4-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-4-c"><num>(c)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-4-d"><num>(d)</num><content><p>on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, to a fine or to both.</p></content></level></subsection>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" xmlns:uk="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/UK-AKN" class="para1" eId="section-1-4-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding <ins class="substitution first last" ukl:ChangeId="key-4ef4f1e12a5442b7bd873eac2ce3aa6a-1678284268252" ukl:CommentaryRef="key-4ef4f1e12a5442b7bd873eac2ce3aa6a"><noteRef uk:name="commentary" href="#key-4ef4f1e12a5442b7bd873eac2ce3aa6a" class="commentary"/>the general limit in a magistrates’ court</ins>, to a fine or to both;</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-4-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-4-c"><num>(c)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-4-d"><num>(d)</num><content><p>on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, to a fine or to both.</p></content></level>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" xmlns:uk="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/UK-AKN" eId="section-1-5"><num>(5)</num><content><p>In relation to an offence committed before <ins class="substitution first last" ukl:ChangeId="key-2423051e2c5114325efb4b739b55bcfb-1658411340068" ukl:CommentaryRef="key-2423051e2c5114325efb4b739b55bcfb"><noteRef uk:name="commentary" href="#key-2423051e2c5114325efb4b739b55bcfb" class="commentary"/>2 May 2022</ins>, the reference in subsection (4)(a) to <ins class="substitution first last" ukl:ChangeId="key-485f54c96af2a5b4484b02546f1dee3b-1678284253340" ukl:CommentaryRef="key-485f54c96af2a5b4484b02546f1dee3b"><noteRef uk:name="commentary" href="#key-485f54c96af2a5b4484b02546f1dee3b" class="commentary"/>the general limit in a magistrates’ court</ins> is to be read as a reference to six months.</p></content></subsection>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-1-6"><num>(6)</num><content><p>A mechanically propelled vehicle which is not moving or ready to move but whose engine or motor is running is to be treated for the purposes of subsection (1)(a) as ready to move.</p></content></subsection>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-1-7"><num>(7)</num><content><p>In relation to an aircraft, the reference in subsection (1)(b) to “<term refersTo="#term-a-person-with-control-of-the-vehicle" eId="term-a-person-with-control-of-the-vehicle">a person with control of the vehicle</term>” is a reference to any person on the aircraft who is engaged in controlling it, or in monitoring the controlling of it.</p></content></subsection>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-1-8"><num>(8)</num><content><p>In relation to a vessel, hovercraft or submarine, the reference in subsection (1)(b) to “<term refersTo="#term-a-person-with-control-of-the-vehicle" eId="term-a-person-with-control-of-the-vehicle">a person with control of the vehicle</term>” is a reference to the master, the pilot or any person engaged in navigating the vessel, hovercraft or submarine.</p></content></subsection>
<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" xmlns:uk="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/UK-AKN" eId="section-2"><num>2</num><heading>Offences relating to air traffic services</heading><subsection eId="section-2-1"><num>(1)</num><intro><p>A person commits an offence if—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-2-1-a"><num>(a)</num><intro><p>the person shines or directs a laser beam—</p></intro><level class="para2" eId="section-2-1-a-i"><num>(i)</num><content><p>towards an air traffic facility, or</p></content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-2-1-a-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content><p>towards a person providing air traffic services, and</p></content></level></level><level class="para1" eId="section-2-1-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>the laser beam dazzles or distracts, or is likely to dazzle or distract, a person providing air traffic services.</p></content></level></subsection><subsection eId="section-2-2"><num>(2)</num><intro><p>It is a defence to show—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-2-2-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>that the person had a reasonable excuse for shining or directing the laser beam towards the facility or person, or</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-2-2-b"><num>(b)</num><intro><p>that the person—</p></intro><level class="para2" eId="section-2-2-b-i"><num>(i)</num><content><p>did not intend to shine or direct the laser beam towards the facility or person, and</p></content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-2-2-b-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content><p>exercised all due diligence and took all reasonable precautions to avoid doing so.</p></content></level></level></subsection><subsection eId="section-2-3"><num>(3)</num><intro><p>A person is taken to have shown a fact mentioned in subsection (2) if—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-2-3-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue with respect to it, and</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-2-3-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>the contrary is not proved beyond reasonable doubt.</p></content></level></subsection><subsection eId="section-2-4"><num>(4)</num><intro><p>A person who commits an offence under this section is liable—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-2-4-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding <ins class="substitution first last" ukl:ChangeId="key-8279467e1dbef747fda167fd1304b7be-1678284331309" ukl:CommentaryRef="key-8279467e1dbef747fda167fd1304b7be"><noteRef uk:name="commentary" href="#key-8279467e1dbef747fda167fd1304b7be" class="commentary"/>the general limit in a magistrates’ court</ins>, to a fine or to both;</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-2-4-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-2-4-c"><num>(c)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-2-4-d"><num>(d)</num><content><p>on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, to a fine or to both.</p></content></level></subsection><subsection eId="section-2-5"><num>(5)</num><content><p>In relation to an offence committed before <ins class="substitution first last" ukl:ChangeId="key-5e11c7fb2750f7f025fd2fe0c356d58f-1658412043813" ukl:CommentaryRef="key-5e11c7fb2750f7f025fd2fe0c356d58f"><noteRef uk:name="commentary" href="#key-5e11c7fb2750f7f025fd2fe0c356d58f" class="commentary"/>2 May 2022</ins>, the reference in subsection (4)(a) to <ins class="substitution first last" ukl:ChangeId="key-3a63d124b10d7d8ebc26b3411a551e5f-1678284319052" ukl:CommentaryRef="key-3a63d124b10d7d8ebc26b3411a551e5f"><noteRef uk:name="commentary" href="#key-3a63d124b10d7d8ebc26b3411a551e5f" class="commentary"/>the general limit in a magistrates’ court</ins> is to be read as a reference to six months.</p></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-2-6"><num>(6)</num><intro><p>In this section—</p></intro><hcontainer name="definition"><content><p>“<term refersTo="#term-air-traffic-facility" eId="term-air-traffic-facility">air traffic facility</term>” means any building, structure, vehicle or other place from which air traffic services are provided;</p></content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content><p>“<term refersTo="#term-air-traffic-services" eId="term-air-traffic-services">air traffic services</term>” has the meaning given by section 98(1) of the Transport Act 2000.</p></content></hcontainer></subsection></section>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-1"><num>(1)</num><intro><p>A person commits an offence if—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-2-1-a"><num>(a)</num><intro><p>the person shines or directs a laser beam—</p></intro><level class="para2" eId="section-2-1-a-i"><num>(i)</num><content><p>towards an air traffic facility, or</p></content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-2-1-a-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content><p>towards a person providing air traffic services, and</p></content></level></level><level class="para1" eId="section-2-1-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>the laser beam dazzles or distracts, or is likely to dazzle or distract, a person providing air traffic services.</p></content></level></subsection>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-1-a"><num>(a)</num><intro><p>the person shines or directs a laser beam—</p></intro><level class="para2" eId="section-2-1-a-i"><num>(i)</num><content><p>towards an air traffic facility, or</p></content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-2-1-a-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content><p>towards a person providing air traffic services, and</p></content></level></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para2" eId="section-2-1-a-i"><num>(i)</num><content><p>towards an air traffic facility, or</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para2" eId="section-2-1-a-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content><p>towards a person providing air traffic services, and</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-1-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>the laser beam dazzles or distracts, or is likely to dazzle or distract, a person providing air traffic services.</p></content></level>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-2"><num>(2)</num><intro><p>It is a defence to show—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-2-2-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>that the person had a reasonable excuse for shining or directing the laser beam towards the facility or person, or</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-2-2-b"><num>(b)</num><intro><p>that the person—</p></intro><level class="para2" eId="section-2-2-b-i"><num>(i)</num><content><p>did not intend to shine or direct the laser beam towards the facility or person, and</p></content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-2-2-b-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content><p>exercised all due diligence and took all reasonable precautions to avoid doing so.</p></content></level></level></subsection>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-2-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>that the person had a reasonable excuse for shining or directing the laser beam towards the facility or person, or</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-2-b"><num>(b)</num><intro><p>that the person—</p></intro><level class="para2" eId="section-2-2-b-i"><num>(i)</num><content><p>did not intend to shine or direct the laser beam towards the facility or person, and</p></content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-2-2-b-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content><p>exercised all due diligence and took all reasonable precautions to avoid doing so.</p></content></level></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para2" eId="section-2-2-b-i"><num>(i)</num><content><p>did not intend to shine or direct the laser beam towards the facility or person, and</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para2" eId="section-2-2-b-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content><p>exercised all due diligence and took all reasonable precautions to avoid doing so.</p></content></level>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-3"><num>(3)</num><intro><p>A person is taken to have shown a fact mentioned in subsection (2) if—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-2-3-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue with respect to it, and</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-2-3-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>the contrary is not proved beyond reasonable doubt.</p></content></level></subsection>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-3-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue with respect to it, and</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-3-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>the contrary is not proved beyond reasonable doubt.</p></content></level>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" xmlns:uk="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/UK-AKN" eId="section-2-4"><num>(4)</num><intro><p>A person who commits an offence under this section is liable—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-2-4-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding <ins class="substitution first last" ukl:ChangeId="key-8279467e1dbef747fda167fd1304b7be-1678284331309" ukl:CommentaryRef="key-8279467e1dbef747fda167fd1304b7be"><noteRef uk:name="commentary" href="#key-8279467e1dbef747fda167fd1304b7be" class="commentary"/>the general limit in a magistrates’ court</ins>, to a fine or to both;</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-2-4-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-2-4-c"><num>(c)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-2-4-d"><num>(d)</num><content><p>on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, to a fine or to both.</p></content></level></subsection>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" xmlns:uk="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/UK-AKN" class="para1" eId="section-2-4-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding <ins class="substitution first last" ukl:ChangeId="key-8279467e1dbef747fda167fd1304b7be-1678284331309" ukl:CommentaryRef="key-8279467e1dbef747fda167fd1304b7be"><noteRef uk:name="commentary" href="#key-8279467e1dbef747fda167fd1304b7be" class="commentary"/>the general limit in a magistrates’ court</ins>, to a fine or to both;</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-4-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-4-c"><num>(c)</num><content><p>on summary conviction in Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-4-d"><num>(d)</num><content><p>on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, to a fine or to both.</p></content></level>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" xmlns:uk="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/UK-AKN" eId="section-2-5"><num>(5)</num><content><p>In relation to an offence committed before <ins class="substitution first last" ukl:ChangeId="key-5e11c7fb2750f7f025fd2fe0c356d58f-1658412043813" ukl:CommentaryRef="key-5e11c7fb2750f7f025fd2fe0c356d58f"><noteRef uk:name="commentary" href="#key-5e11c7fb2750f7f025fd2fe0c356d58f" class="commentary"/>2 May 2022</ins>, the reference in subsection (4)(a) to <ins class="substitution first last" ukl:ChangeId="key-3a63d124b10d7d8ebc26b3411a551e5f-1678284319052" ukl:CommentaryRef="key-3a63d124b10d7d8ebc26b3411a551e5f"><noteRef uk:name="commentary" href="#key-3a63d124b10d7d8ebc26b3411a551e5f" class="commentary"/>the general limit in a magistrates’ court</ins> is to be read as a reference to six months.</p></content></subsection>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-6"><num>(6)</num><intro><p>In this section—</p></intro><hcontainer name="definition"><content><p>“<term refersTo="#term-air-traffic-facility" eId="term-air-traffic-facility">air traffic facility</term>” means any building, structure, vehicle or other place from which air traffic services are provided;</p></content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content><p>“<term refersTo="#term-air-traffic-services" eId="term-air-traffic-services">air traffic services</term>” has the meaning given by section 98(1) of the Transport Act 2000.</p></content></hcontainer></subsection>
<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" name="definition"><content><p>“air traffic facility” means any building, structure, vehicle or other place from which air traffic services are provided;</p></content></hcontainer>
<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" name="definition"><content><p>“<term refersTo="#term-air-traffic-facility" eId="term-air-traffic-facility">air traffic facility</term>” means any building, structure, vehicle or other place from which air traffic services are provided;</p></content></hcontainer>
<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" name="definition"><content><p>“air traffic services” has the meaning given by section 98(1) of the Transport Act 2000.</p></content></hcontainer>
<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" name="definition"><content><p>“<term refersTo="#term-air-traffic-services" eId="term-air-traffic-services">air traffic services</term>” has the meaning given by section 98(1) of the Transport Act 2000.</p></content></hcontainer>
<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-3"><num>3</num><heading>Interpretation</heading><intro><p>In this Act—</p></intro><hcontainer name="definition"><content><p>“<term refersTo="#term-aircraft" eId="term-aircraft">aircraft</term>” means any vehicle used for travel by air;</p></content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content><p>“<term refersTo="#term-laser-beam" eId="term-laser-beam">laser beam</term>” means a beam of coherent light produced by a device of any kind;</p></content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content><p>“<term refersTo="#term-vehicle" eId="term-vehicle">vehicle</term>” means any vehicle used for travel by land, water or air;</p></content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content><p>“<term refersTo="#term-vessel" eId="term-vessel">vessel</term>” has the meaning given by section 255(1) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.</p></content></hcontainer></section>
<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" name="definition"><content><p>“aircraft” means any vehicle used for travel by air;</p></content></hcontainer>
<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" name="definition"><content><p>“laser beam” means a beam of coherent light produced by a device of any kind;</p></content></hcontainer>
<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" name="definition"><content><p>“<term refersTo="#term-laser-beam" eId="term-laser-beam">laser beam</term>” means a beam of coherent light produced by a device of any kind;</p></content></hcontainer>
<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" name="definition"><content><p>“<term refersTo="#term-vehicle" eId="term-vehicle">vehicle</term>” means any vehicle used for travel by land, water or air;</p></content></hcontainer>
<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4"><num>4</num><heading>Extent, commencement and short title</heading><subsection eId="section-4-1"><num>(1)</num><content><p>This Act extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.</p></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-2"><num>(2)</num><content><p>This section and section 3 come into force on the day on which this Act is passed.</p></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-3"><num>(3)</num><content><p>Section 1 comes into force, so far as extending to England and Wales and Scotland, at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.</p></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-4"><num>(4)</num><intro><p>Section 1 comes into force, so far as extending to Northern Ireland—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-4-4-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>in relation to aircraft, vessels, hovercraft and submarines, at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed;</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-4-4-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>in relation to other vehicles, on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument appoint.</p></content></level></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-5"><num>(5)</num><content><p>Section 2 comes into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.</p></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-6"><num>(6)</num><content><p>Different days may be appointed under subsection (4)(b) for different purposes.</p></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-7"><num>(7)</num><content><p>This Act may be cited as the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act 2018.</p></content></subsection></section>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-1"><num>(1)</num><content><p>This Act extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.</p></content></subsection>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-2"><num>(2)</num><content><p>This section and section 3 come into force on the day on which this Act is passed.</p></content></subsection>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-3"><num>(3)</num><content><p>Section 1 comes into force, so far as extending to England and Wales and Scotland, at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.</p></content></subsection>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-4"><num>(4)</num><intro><p>Section 1 comes into force, so far as extending to Northern Ireland—</p></intro><level class="para1" eId="section-4-4-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>in relation to aircraft, vessels, hovercraft and submarines, at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed;</p></content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-4-4-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>in relation to other vehicles, on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument appoint.</p></content></level></subsection>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-4-4-a"><num>(a)</num><content><p>in relation to aircraft, vessels, hovercraft and submarines, at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed;</p></content></level>
<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-4-4-b"><num>(b)</num><content><p>in relation to other vehicles, on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument appoint.</p></content></level>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-5"><num>(5)</num><content><p>Section 2 comes into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.</p></content></subsection>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-6"><num>(6)</num><content><p>Different days may be appointed under subsection (4)(b) for different purposes.</p></content></subsection>
<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-7"><num>(7)</num><content><p>This Act may be cited as the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act 2018.</p></content></subsection>