Rhode Island Statewide Rule
Rhode Island Outdoor Lighting Control Act for State Projects
Key Facts
- Statute
- RIGL 42-136
- Applies to
- State agencies and projects
- Shielding rule
- Two percent uplight max
- Lumen threshold
- Above 3,200 lumens
- Highway lighting
- Reflectors preferred
Summary
Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 42-136 requires state-funded outdoor lighting to be fully shielded, energy efficient, and designed to minimize light pollution and glare. The statute applies statewide to state agencies and projects using state money.
§ 42-136-4. Outdoor lighting control. (a) Permanent outdoor lighting unit installation. The installation of any new or replacement permanent outdoor lighting unit by or for a state agency shall meet the following conditions: (1) The new or replacement luminare permits are no more than two percent (2%) of the total lumen in the zone of ninety (90) to one hundred eighty (180) degrees vertical angle if the rated output of the lumen is greater than thirty-two hundred (3,200) lumens. (2) The minimum allowance specified by an applicable recommendation or regulation shall be used. The average minimum allowance adequate for the intended purpose shall be used if no lighting recommendation or regulation is applicable, giving full consideration to energy conservation and glare. (3) Reflectorized roadway markers, lines, warning signs, informational signs, or other passive means shall be utilized for roadway lighting except at intersections of two (2) or more streets or highways unless it is determined that the purpose of the lighting installation or replacement cannot be achieved by these means. (4) Adequate consideration shall be given to conserving energy and minimizing glare and light pollution. (b) Exceptions. The following instances shall be exempt from the requirements of subsection (a): (1) Where federal laws, rules, or regulations preempt state regulations. (2) Where fire, police, rescue or repair personnel need light for temporary emergencies or road repair work.
Full Breakdown
The Rhode Island Outdoor Lighting Control Act, RIGL 42-136, establishes statewide standards for permanent outdoor lighting installed or replaced by state agencies or with state funds. New or replacement luminaires above 3,200 lumens may emit no more than two percent of total lumens above the horizontal plane, effectively requiring fully shielded fixtures. The act also directs that highway lighting prefer reflectorized markers and signs except at intersections, with energy conservation, glare reduction, and dark-sky preservation as priorities. Findings within the chapter recognize light pollution as a real harm to night skies and ecosystems. Although it directly binds state agencies, it sets the statewide policy framework that municipalities often mirror.
Violations & Penalties
No criminal penalty. Non-compliant state-funded installations can be required to retrofit. State purchasing and project approval processes are intended to enforce compliance prospectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RIGL 42-136 require my private home to use shielded fixtures?
What counts as a fully shielded lighting unit in Rhode Island?
Sources
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