Statewide law

New Mexico

Last checked 2026-09-23

New Mexico's Night Sky Protection Act requires new outdoor lighting fixtures statewide to be shielded so light is directed downward, limits illumination of outdoor recreational facilities (sports fields, courts) to before 11 p.m. except to finish a game in progress, and authorizes fines of up to $25 per violation. It applies to most outdoor lighting installed after the act took effect, with exemptions for things like traffic signals, airports, and emergencies.

StatuteCitationYear
Night Sky Protection ActNMSA 1978, Sections 74-12-1 through 74-12-101999