NYC DOT - Street Lights

NYC DOT maintains over 315,000 street lights throughout New York City, and is a national leader in using sustainable street lighting.

In the largest such project in the country, NYC DOT has retrofitted almost all of New York City's street lights with energy-efficient LEDs.

Damaged Street Lights

If you see a small flashing red light next to the street light LED, call 311 to report it immediately. The light indicates an issue with the electrical current.

NYC DOT's contractors have four (4) hours to respond to street light emergency conditions, such as a fallen pole or an electrical issue. For other issues, contractors must respond within 10 days. Major repairs, such as repairing a concrete foundation, or addressing obstructions to the electrical conduit take longer. Contractors also report power issues to Con Edison.

Report a damaged street light to NYC DOT.

Distinctive Street Lighting

The NYC Street Design Manual contains distinctive lampposts and luminaires that are acceptable alternatives for use on the City's streets. Distinctive street lighting must be approved by the Public Design Commission/Local Preservation Commission/OMB and NYC DOT Urban Design and Street Light Engineering. Distinctive street lighting must be funded through elected officials.

Relocation of Street Light at Private Expense

NYC DOT issues permits for the permanent relocation of street lights. All work must be done by a licensed NYC electrical contractor. NYC DOT's Division of Street Lighting Engineering must process appropriate documentation and, if acceptable, approve all relocation plans.

Conditions for the Relocation of Street Lights at Private Expense (pdf).

Temporary Changes to Street Lights and Signals

NYC DOT issues permits for temporary changes to street lights and signals for special events. NYC DOT may approve the installation, removal or other modification to lights and signals. Permits require detailed drawings of the proposed changes, an indemnification of the City, and a licensed electrical contractor.

Application for Temporary Changes to Street Lights and Signals (pdf).
Translations of NYC DOT Licenses, Permit Applications & Registrations.

Temporary Holiday Lighting

Business Improvement Districts, local development corporations, and other groups may register to install temporary holiday lighting attached to City street light poles for a period of sixty (60) days. Prior to any installation, the group must complete the registration form.
Temporary Holiday Lighting Registration Form

Temporary Removal of Lampposts

NYC DOT issues permits for the temporary removal of lampposts. Applicants bear all costs in the temporary removal of street lights, and are responsible for storing and reinstalling lampposts to their original location. Applicants must also provide and maintain temporary lighting at or near the street light location.

NYC DOT's Division of Street Lighting Engineering must process appropriate documentation and, if acceptable, approve all temporary removal plans

Conditions for the Temporary Removal of Lamppost (pdf)

Banner Permits

Apply to install a banner promoting a public event or a cultural exhibit on any NYC DOT property, including street lights.

Learn more about banner permits