Due to an substantial increase in citizen complaints regarding the illegal use of laser pointers, the Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens of the “Harassment by Laser Pointer” law. The ordinance, which has been in effect since 2010, makes it unlawful for anyone to focus, or shine a laser pointer directly or indirectly on another person or animal in any manner. It is also unlawful for any person to shine a laser pointer directly or indirectly on a balcony, porch, patio, deck or any other structure where a person or persons may gather or in any window or door, or any vehicle on land, air or water, which includes but is not limited to cars, bicycles, scooters, buses, trams, planes, helicopters, boats, jet skis, motorcycles, Segway’s or wheelchairs in any manner.
It is also illegal for minors (Age 17 and Under) to purchase or possess laser pointers within the corporate limits of Ocean City.
In addition, it is a crime for any person to shine a laser pointer on the beach, boardwalk, public streets or sidewalks or from private property onto the beach, boardwalk, public streets or sidewalks, or from public property onto private property or from private property onto another private property.
LASER POINTERS FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
Also, it is unlawful to sell a laser pointer without having a sign conspicuously posted at the point of sale or exchange advising potential purchasers of the Ocean City laser pointer law. It is unlawful to sell a laser pointer without providing the purchaser with written notice, in bold face type, a copy setting forth verbatim the laws set forth in the Ocean City Code.
The penalties for violations of this law make it a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to six months in jail and or a $1,000 fine. The OCPD will be strictly enforcing this ordinance and is asking for the public’s cooperation and compliance.
As a reminder, laser pointers are not toys. These devices should never be shined on or around people or animals. The devices, if used improperly, pose risks to humans and animals and could cause eye damage. Parents of children who have been given laser pointers are reminded that it is no longer legal for minor children to possess laser pointers and they should be restricted from their use.
The ordinance is posted on the Town of Ocean City web page: www.oceancitymd.gov.
4 comments:
8-8-12
Ocean City Gearing Up for Fine Campaign.
PLEASE if you get a summons for your underage child purchasing a laser pointer DON'T pay it. STAND TRIAL,after asking for a court date. This ordinance is bogus as was the one concerning the boardwalk artists. There is NO MD. STATUTE that prohibits ANYONE from BUYING or POSSESSING ANY article NOT CONSIDERED CONTRABAND by the LEGISLATURE as long as it has a SECONDARY USE i.e. use in ones employment. Ocean City CANNOT ban or hinder or discriminate against the sale or purchase to anyone ANY goods or articles NOT considered a general threat to the public or their health or safety unless it is wholesalely prohibited by STATE LAW. Just to make this point, I intend to purchase a pointer and give it to my son. If the police interfer or try to make an arrest they will be very sorry. In the first case a MINOR unless in the case of a serious felony CANNOT be charged with a violation until jurisdiction is waived by DJS. For my son to possess a pointer IS NOT AGAINST THE CURRENT STATE LAW. The ordinance cannot stand the test of a court challenge and believe me I'll give the Town one. It's another chance by STUPID ORDINATION for them to collect a fine and spend the money frivilously. They would be money ahead if they hired an attorney who knew what he was talking about so money could be wisely spent and not defending against madness such as this.
I'm ready when you are guys!
Your gonna find out the hard way that city,county,state and federal laws are all different and one overides the other !
4:14 then how come tattoo parlors are okay in the state but some municipalities have prohibited them?
Please tell me, WHAT laws are NOT "strictly enforced" by these short, uneducated, pompous, arrogant, and totally dismissive of any of our so-called "rights" storm troopers? And I apologize up front to any REAL storm troopers, who at least made no pretense of "serving and protecting" anyone or anything. They just beat and killed people and you knew thats what they did. Ocean City wanna be cops (who can't qualify for any other job anywhere else, unless its with the Mafia or the Crips, or perhaps bussing tables) hide behing a badge and beat and extort citizens, knowing they are well protected by their judges and DA's. 4:14 has it right -- it's ANOTHER reason for the cops to harrass, arrest, beat (you know, to "teach you a lesson" about who's the boss), and FINE citizens. Thats all. Power and money. If they could only find a way to get some self-esteem (cops in other jurisdictions make jokes about them) and add 6-10 inches to their height, perhaps they wouldn't need to be "compensating" so much....
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