Street lights aim to promote safe environments for all users and reduce potential for crashes. Upon receiving reports of light trespass or glare, PBOT may install streetlight shields after engineering evaluation.
Light trespass occurs when street lights illuminate unintended areas. Glare is the result of seeing the source of light. Street light shields can reduce the area illuminated by the light. Shields may reduce glare, though that is not the primary goal.
The image below shows glare observed from well outside the illuminated area. Observing glare is expected in a city street light environment.
Shields are not allowed at intersections or corners since the backlight is beneficial for lighting the cross streets. Shields are not allowed on the street side of lights since this reduces the illuminated area in the roadway.
Please submit questions or street light shield requests to streetlighting@portlandoregon.gov or call 503-865-LAMP (5267).
Photo showing normal glare from two street lights as observed from street level outside the illuminated area.