Manhattan Views from New Jersey May Get Darker; NY Bill Proposes 11PM Lights Out

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For many Hoboken + Jersey City locals, the Manhattan skyline is the backdrop to their lives. The city lights have seemed to replace stars in the night sky for many. Yet, a New York State bill could change the skyline for many residents in the next few years. New York State representatives introduced a bill that aims to reduce light pollution in New York City, which would require certain lighting fixtures to go dark after 11PM. Here’s what the Dark Skies bill means for New York City and what Hoboken + Jersey City residents can expect if it becomes a law. 

The Dark Skies Bill

The Dark Skies bill aims to reduce light pollution across New York State and focuses on energy conservation, wildlife protection, and improving public safety. 

The bill would require all outdoor lighting fixtures to be shielded. That means the direct light must face downward, not outward or upward. This will apply to all residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. It means anyone in New York State who installs or operates outdoor lighting, such as property owners, businesses, and municipalities. Stricter rules for new installations and gradual requirements for existing lighting.  

Older, non-compliant lights can still be used if they are turned off between 11PM and 5AM or if they are motion-activated. For outdoor recrational lightings, like athletic fields, those lights must be turned off overnight from 11PM to 5AM with some event exceptions.  

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This does not apply to certain lighting, like emergency services, airport and navigation lighting, highway and tunnel lighting, some signage, and low-wattage decorative lighting. There are other exemptions for high-density areas, like Times Square. 

Cities and towns around New York State can keep their own rules if they are stricter than this proposed law. 

Violations of these proposed laws could lead to fines from $100 to $1,000, depending on severity. 

This bill still needs approval from both New York State legislative chambers and the Governor’s signature before it becomes law. The goal is to have it fully implemented by 2028. 

What Does This Have To Do With New Jersey?

For New Jersey residents with beautiful waterfront views of New York City lights, it may sound like the entire Manhattan skyline will start going dark each night at 11PM by 2028. That’s not entirely the case.

Over time, parts of Manhattan could appear slightly less bright and lack a certain glow illuminating the sky. Some commercial buildings, signage, or decorative lighting may be turned off earlier, so the skyline might look a touch different for Hoboken, Jersey City, or Weehawken residents.   

Iconic landmarks, like the Empire State Building or One World Trade Center, won’t go dark. They will most likely fall under exceptions or special use cases, keeping their changing lights on all night long.  

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Last year, a similar bill was introduced in New Jersey that aims to reduce light pollution, save energy, and limit glare across the state. It requires outdoor lighting on state projects or projects using state funding to follow strict standards. It does not apply to private homes or businesses. 

This lighting on state projects must be fully shielded, meaning no light shines upward, and is directed only where needed. The bill encourages alternatives for the New Jersey Department of Transportation, such as reflective road markers or other non-light solutions, before adding new lights to their projects.  

Similar to the New York bill, this does not apply to certain cases like emergency situations, high-security areas, and temporary lighting needs. 

It still needs approval from both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly and the Governor’s signature before it becomes law. 

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