Local rules only
Maine
Last checked October 29, 2026
Maine's Responsible Outdoor Lighting law (LD 1934, in force January 2026 without the governor's signature) covers public outdoor lighting installed or replaced from October 1, 2026: a 3,000 kelvin color cap (sports, some roadway and sidewalk lighting excepted), full shielding above 1,000 lumens, light levels at most 125 percent of ANSI/IES guidance, and nonessential lighting off at night. Towns may adopt stricter ordinances.
| Statute | Citation | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Responsible Outdoor Lighting (LD 1934, Public Law ch. 516, 132nd Legislature) (opens in new tab) | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 5, § 481 | 2026 |
| Outdoor lighting (state-funded luminaires over 1,800 lumens must direct light downward) (opens in new tab) | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 5, § 1769 | 2011 |
| Certain lights prohibited along highways (glare toward public roads; $100 fine) (opens in new tab) | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 17, § 2793 |
Certified dark sky places in Maine
Bringing your own outdoor lighting up to the same standard? See Dark-Sky Friendly Outdoor Lighting.
Sources
- https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/5/title5sec481.html (opens in new tab)
- https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1934&snum=132 (opens in new tab)
- https://inside.lighting/news/26-01/maine-lighting-law-among-most-comprehensive-us (opens in new tab)
- https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/5/title5sec1769.html (opens in new tab)
- https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17/title17sec2793.html (opens in new tab)