[dragonwriter]

> It is illegal for a laser pointer, where most people defer to the FDA definition of "... handheld lasers that are promoted for pointing out objects or locations."

No the law in question defines the term, it doesn't defer to the FDA; Cal. Penal Code § 417.27(f): «As used in this section, “laser pointer” has the same meaning as set forth in subdivision (c) of Section 417.25»

Cal. Penal Code § 417.25(c): «As used in this section, “laser pointer” means any hand held laser beam device or demonstration laser product that emits a single point of light amplified by the stimulated emission of radiation that is visible to the human eye.»

[dsl]

If you read the definition you just quoted at me, it is basically the same.

Any device that emits more than a single point of light, or is not hand held is not covered.