A projection type display apparatus includes: a semiconductor laser element that outputs laser light based on supply of current; a digital mirror device (DMD) that modulates the light output from the semiconductor laser element and emits the modulated light; a projection lens that projects the incident light via the DMD; a drive unit that drives the semiconductor laser element and includes a current detection unit for detecting the current value of the current flowing through the semiconductor laser element; and a controller that, when the current value detected by the current detection unit becomes greater than a first threshold, controls driving of the DMD so that the light output from the DMD will not be incident on the projection lens , and when the current value detected becomes greater than a second threshold greater than the first threshold, causes the drive unit to cut off the supply of current.