Unlawful use of a laser pointer against an aircraft.

(1) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 and 76-9-1701 apply to this section. (2) An actor commits unlawful use of a laser pointer against an aircraft if the actor directs a beam of laser light from a laser pointer at an aircraft or the occupants of an aircraft. (3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor. (b) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(c), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor if the actor previously has been convicted of a violation of Subsection (2). (c) A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the actor's conduct causes an aircraft to crash or perform an emergency landing. (4) If the violation of this section constitutes an offense subject to a greater penalty under another provision of this title than is provided under this section, this section does not prohibit the prosecution and sentencing for the offense subject to a greater penalty.