Local rules only
Maryland
Last checked October 29, 2026
Maryland bars state money from paying for permanent outdoor luminaires that waste energy or cause glare and light trespass; fixtures over 1,800 lumens must be restricted-uplight (Ch. 353 of 2011). A 2025 law (HB 452, Ch. 389, effective October 1, 2025) extends this to state parks and trails and adds a 3,000 kelvin limit for non-highway fixtures. Corrections, federally required, storm and flag lighting are exempt; waivers possible.
| Statute | Citation | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Energy efficient outdoor lighting fixtures in State buildings (2013 edition; 1,800 lumen restricted-uplight rule, waivers and exemptions) (opens in new tab) | Md. Code Ann., State Fin. & Proc. § 14-412 | 2011 |
| Outdoor Lighting - Guidance and Use of State Funds (HB 452; amends § 14-412, adds 3,000 K limit and parks and trails) (opens in new tab) | 2025 Md. Laws, ch. 389 | 2025 |
Sources
- https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2013/article-gsf/section-14-412/ (opens in new tab)
- https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0452?ys=2025rs (opens in new tab)
- https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/bills/hb/hb0452F.pdf (opens in new tab)
- https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/fnotes/bil_0002/hb0452.pdf (opens in new tab)
- https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2012rs/fnotes/bil_0008/hb0298.pdf (opens in new tab)
- https://safeskiesmaryland.org/legislation/ (opens in new tab)