Nothing funny about laser pointers

Anyone caught shining laser pointers in the eyes of motorists should be punished with the full weight of the law.

NRMA Motoring & Services Director Gary Punch, said copycat behavior following an incident on Henry Lawson Drive this week should not be tolerated.

"Reports this week of motorists having laser pointers aimed at them are very alarming since we just got over a spate of rock throwing incidents on our roads," Mr Punch said.

"People who do this sort of thing are a danger to the community and need to be punished.

"We have already seen people in NSW charged for throwing rocks at motorists - anyone considering this type of behavior should perhaps ask themselves if they still think it's funny."

Mr Punch welcomed the amendment to the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 passed by the NSW Parliament last night. The maximum penalty for possessing or using a laser without reasonable excuse is $5,500 or two years imprisonment.

"Anyone caught putting the safety of motorists at risk should be locked up if found guilty," Mr Punch said.

"Pointing lasers in the eyes of a motorist could cause them to lose concentration - even for a split-second - that is more than enough time to cause a major crash.

"Sadly, these people don't realise how stupid they are until they have caused a major injury or worse - by then it's too late - two lives are already ruined."