The state with the highest number of laser strikes was California with 697.<\/p>\n
Last year, pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes<\/a> to the FAA and 550 of those were in Arizona. That number was down 3% from 2023.<\/p>\n What are the consequences for laser lights shined at aircrafts?<\/p>\n Shining a laser at an aircraft is not only a safety threat but a federal crime.<\/p>\n People who are determined to have shined a laser at a plane can face fines from the FAA of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple violations.<\/p>\n In 2021, the FAA issued $120,000 in fines for laser strikes on planes.<\/p>\n In addition to FAA fines, there can also be federal, state and local penalties for committing the act.<\/p>\n The federal penalty for a laser strike can be up to five years in prison or a $250,000 fine.<\/p>\n The FAA noted that air traffic controllers do their best to quickly pass on any pilot-reported laser strikes to the appropriate law enforcement agency so that they may investigate.<\/p>\n The aviation encouraged anyone who sees a laser strike on a plane to report it to the FAA<\/a> or their local law enforcement agency.<\/p>\n We want to hear from you.<\/p>\n Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/KTAREmail-830x100-1.jpg\")
\t