Utah § 76-9-1704 - Unlawful use of a laser pointer against a law enforcement officer.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-9-1704 — Unlawful use of a laser pointer against a law enforcement officer., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 76-9-1704. Unlawful use of a laser pointer against a law enforcement officer.

Effective 5/7/2025
76-9-1704.  Unlawful use of a laser pointer against a law enforcement officer.
(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 a law enforcement officer if the actor directs a beam of laser light from a laser pointer at an individual who the actor knows or has reason to know is a law enforcement officer.
(3)A violation of Subsection (2) is a class C misdemeanor.
(4)It is an affirmative defense to a charge under Subsection (2) that:
(a)the law enforcement officer was:
(i)not in uniform;
(ii)not traveling in a vehicle identified as a law enforcement vehicle; and
(iii)not otherwise engaged in an activity that would give the actor reason to know the law enforcement officer to be a law enforcement officer; and
(b)the law enforcement officer was not otherwise known by the actor to be a law enforcement officer.
(5)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.


Enacted by Chapter 173, 2025 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 76-9-1704

What does Utah Code § 76-9-1704 cover?

Section 76-9-1704 ("Unlawful use of a laser pointer against a law enforcement officer.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 76-9-1704?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-9-1704" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 76-9-1704 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.