Less sky glow, less spill, and the right CCT.
Learning Track · Module 2: Luminaires · Step 11 of 101
Showing content for Europe. Change the region at the top of the page.
- Use full cut-off luminaires with flat glass and little or no tilt.
- Light only to the level the road needs. Over-lighting is common after LED retrofits.
- Dim when traffic is low.
Europe: Many European cities use 3000 K or less, and 2200 K or amber near nature areas. CIE 150 gives limits by environmental zone (E0 to E4). France limits CCT and upward light by law for new outdoor lighting.
Middle East: Cool white (4000 K to 5700 K) is still common on highways. Warmer light is growing in residential and heritage areas. Some authorities now set CCT limits in their manuals. Turtle nesting beaches need special lighting near the coast.
South Asia: Many tenders still specify 5700 K or 6500 K. Warmer light (3000 K to 4000 K) gives less glare and is better for residential streets. CIE 150 is a good reference for limits.
USA: The AMA has recommended 3000 K or less for roadway lighting. The IES/IDA Model Lighting Ordinance sets lighting zones LZ0 to LZ4 with BUG limits. Many cities now specify 3000 K and U0 uplight.
Sources
- CIE 150 Guide on the limitation of the effects of obtrusive light from outdoor lighting installations
- IES/IDA Model Lighting Ordinance
- AMA Council on Science and Public Health Report 2-A-16 (2016)
- France: Arrêté du 27 décembre 2018 relatif à la prévention, à la réduction et à la limitation des nuisances lumineuses
Changes: 30 October 2026: First publication: guides for Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the USA; failure library; tender clause library; comparisons; tools; downloads. See the changelog. Found a mistake? Report it.