The lighting industry is changing rapidly with a clear shift towards LED lighting products. When LED products first hit the market nearly 20 years ago, lighting industry experts were the primary promoters of energy-efficient products. Now, federal requirements and state laws are also driving the switch to LEDs.
LED products have multiple benefits, like massive energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. But as clear as the benefits may be, the current regulations on products are pretty murky.
There are currently different laws in multiple states, and there is little consistency over what can and cannot be sold. That can lead to a lot of confusion if you are looking for certain products or if you have businesses or franchises in several states.
Our goal is to help you understand the law in each state so you can make the right buying decision.
Click here to use the interactive map.
A quick look at current lighting product restrictions
There are several regulation trends happening in the lighting industry right now. All of them have the same goal — to eliminate inefficient lighting products — but there are various approaches.
Some states enacted additional rules on top of the federal regulations to products, including CFLs and linear fluorescent tubes (T8, T5, T12). Below is a breakdown of the most common regulations that are currently in effect across the United States.
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| General Service Lamps A federal rule requires general service lamps (GSLs) and general service incandescent lamps (GSILs) to meet or exceed 45 lumens per watt. Most incandescent and halogen products cannot meet these new requirements. |
Compact Fluorescent Lamps The federal rule on general service lamps essentially eliminates most halogen and incandescent products, but not compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Because CFLs contain mercury, some states have banned these products. |
Linear Fluorescent Tubes Some states have moved forward with restrictions on T5, T8, and T12 linear fluorescent products because they contain mercury and because LED tubes are much more energy efficient. (Warning: retrofits are not always plug-and-play.) |
1. Federal regulations on General Service Lamps (GSLs)
Federal regulations on lighting products began with the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), which was designed to move the United States towards energy independence and reduce overall energy consumption. It doesn't apply to just lighting — it's a multi-pronged plan spanning across several industries.
The most significant step so far for the lighting industry occurred in 2022, when the Department of Energy finalized two rules:
- New definitions of General Service Lamps (GSLs) and General Service Incandescent Lamps (GSILs). GSLs include GSILs (as well as LED and CFL). Linear fluorescent tubes are not included in these definitions, although some states are placing additional restrictions on those products.
- A requirement for GSLs and GSILs to meet or exceed 45 lumens per watt. All CFL and LED lamps are higher than 45 lpw and will continue to be sold where states don't have additional requirements.
Simply put, light bulbs commonly used in homes and some commercial buildings must now be much more energy efficient. Incandescent and halogen products use most of their energy producing heat and cannot meet the new requirements, which is why you will no longer find them on store shelves (with exceptions, of course).
What exactly are general service lamps? They include the most common types of residential and commercial light bulbs (excluding linear fluorescent), but a detailed definition is below.
Another set of standards will go into effect in July 2028, which move from the 45 lumens per watt requirement to 120 lumens per watt. Most LED products will meet the new 120 LPW requirement, but most compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will not.
This next phase will apply to newly produced or imported products. The Department of Energy (DOE) cites several reasons behind the updated regulations. First, CFLs contain mercury which can be harmful in landfills. Second, consumers prefer the longer lifespans and lower electricity usage of LEDs compared to CFLs.
2. State regulations on compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) fall under the definition of general service lamps (GSLs), but most of them meet the 45 lumens per watt requirement and can still be sold under the federal rule. However, certain states have taken additional action to ban CFLs because they contain mercury, which has a negative environmental impact.
Most CFLs will be phased out in 2028 when the DOE requires GSLs to meet the 120 lumens per watt requirement.
3. State regulations on general service fluorescent lamps (GSFLs)
General service fluorescent lamps (GSLFs) are not currently required to meet the same 45 lumens per watt requirement as general service lamps (GSLs) and include linear fluorescent tubes.
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) defines GSFLs as "any fluorescent lamp that can be used to satisfy the majority of fluorescent lighting applications." There are several exemptions, outlined below.
In 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) determined that GSFL energy standards can remain the same — at least for now. However, several states have started to implement their own restrictions on GSFLs because they also contain mercury.
State breakdown of light bulb bans
The table below includes a high-level summary of the states that are either considering or enforcing other restrictions on lighting products. Click on the name of the state or use the interactive map that follows for more detail on the existing and proposed regulations.
State-level Restriction Summary*
| State | GSL | CFL | Linear Fluorescent |
| California | ⛔ Active CFL and GSL requirements under Title 20 | ⛔ Self-ballasted (Screw and bayonet-base) active ⚠️ Pin-base begins Jan 1, 2025 |
⚠️ Begins Jan 1, 2025 |
| Colorado | No state-specific requirements | ⚠️ Screw-base and pin-base begins Jan 1, 2025 | ⛔ High-CRI ban active ⚠️ All others begin Jan 1, 2025 |
| Hawaii | No state-specific requirements | ⚠️ Screw-base begins Jan 1, 2025 ⚠️ Pin-base begins Jan 1, 2026 |
⛔ High-CRI ban active ⚠️ All others begin Jan 1, 2026 |
| Illinois | No state-specific requirements | ⚠️ Screw-base begins Jan 1, 2026 ⚠️ Pin-base begins Jan 1, 2027 |
⚠️ Begins Jan 1, 2027 |
| Maine | ⛔ Active requirements above federal standard | ⚠️ Begins Jan 1, 2026 | ⚠️ Begins Jan 1, 2026 |
| Maryland | No state-specific requirements | ⚠️ Pending bill** | ⛔ High-CRI ban active ⚠️ All others pending bill |
| Massachusetts | ⛔ Active requirements above Federal standard | No state-specific requirements | ⛔ High-CRI ban active |
| Minnesota | No state-specific requirements | ⚠️ Screw-base begins Jan 1, 2025 ⚠️ Pin-base begins Jan 1, 2025 |
⚠️ Begins Jan 1, 2026 |
| Nevada | No state-specific requirements | No state-specific requirements | ⛔ High-CRI ban active |
| New Jersey | ⛔ Active requirements above Federal standard | No state-specific requirements | ⛔ High-CRI ban active |
| No state-specific requirements | No state-specific requirements | ⛔ High-CRI ban active | |
| Oregon | No state-specific requirements | ⛔ Self-ballasted (Screw and bayonet-base) active ⚠️ Pin-base begins Jan 1, 2025 |
⛔ High-CRI ban active ⚠️ All others begins Jan 1, 2025 |
| Rhode Island | No state-specific requirements | ⛔ Self-ballasted (Screw and bayonet-base) active ⚠️ Pin-base begins Jan 1, 2025 |
⚠️ Begins Jan 1, 2025 |
| Vermont | No state-specific requirements | ⛔ CFL ban active (all types) | ⛔ Linear fluorescent ban active |
| Washington | No state-specific requirements | ⚠️ Begins Jan 1, 2029 | ⛔ High-CRI ban active ⚠️ All others begin Jan 1, 2029 |
| Washington DC | ⛔ Active requirements above Federal standard | No state-specific requirements | ⛔ High-CRI ban active |
*Information in this table is based on data available at the time of publishing.
**Bill is awaiting final sign-off
California
California has led the way on energy efficiency for the last decade and was already years ahead of the federal law.
Now, the state is implementing additional requirements for CFLs and linear fluorescents, which will phase out both products. The governor signed a bill into law that eliminated the sale of screw-based (e.g. E26, etc.) or bayonet-based (e.g. GU24, etc.) CFLs beginning in 2024. The law also will eliminate the sale of pin-based CFLs and linear fluorescent lamps by January 1, 2025.
The state says this will generate $1 billion in energy savings every year. You can find details outlined in CA Bill AB 2208.
There are currently additional requirements in California for CFL and LED products, outlined in Title 20.
If you're looking for Title 20 and other compliant products in California, click here to use our online store's filter.
Colorado
High-CRI fluorescent products are currently banned in Colorado. All linear fluorescents with a CRI of 87 or higher are no longer legally sold.
Colorado also passed a law to ban fluorescent bulbs. Starting in 2025, the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of fluorescent lamps (CFL and linear) will be banned.
You can shop an up-to-date list of products for sale in for sale in Colorado by clicking here.
Hawaii
High CRI fluorescents are currently banned in Hawaii. Any linear fluorescent with a CRI greater than 87 are no longer legally sold.
The state will also eliminate the sale of screw-base compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) beginning January 1, 2025. Pin-base CFLs and linear fluorescent lamps will no longer be sold starting January 1, 2026. The bill cites the hazards from fluorescent products, which contain mercury. There are some restrictions outlined in the bill, like lamps used to disinfect surfaces or areas.
You can shop an up-to-date list of products for sale in for sale in Hawaii by clicking here.
Illinois
Under the Clean Lighting Act, Illinois will eliminate the sale of screw-base and bayonet-base compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) beginning January 1, 2026. Pin-base CFLs and linear fluorescent lamps will no longer be sold starting January 1, 2027.
There are exemptions for products used for medical uses, academic research, and more. The bill cites the release of mercury from improperly disposed of fluorescent products as one of the top reasons for the ban.
You can shop an up-to-date list of products for sale in for sale in Illinois by clicking here.
Maine
In Maine, the following requirements are in place on general service lamps (GSLs) in addition to federal law:
- B, BA, CA, F, and G shape lamps >=200 lumens, <=40W
- A and C shaped lamps 200-310 lumens
Maine will also eliminate the sale of fluorescent lamps starting January 1, 2026.
You can shop an up-to-date list of products for sale in for sale in Maine by clicking here.
Maryland
Maryland is still discussing a ban on linear fluorescents with a CRI greater than or equal to 87 that would have taken effect on October 1, 2024. This restriction is dependent upon the regulations adopted by the Maryland Energy Administration. Read more about what's behind the ban on high-CRI linear fluorescents here.
Maryland is also currently considering the sale or distribution of screw-based (e.g. E26, etc.) or bayonet-based ( e.g. GU24, etc.) compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in the state. The bill currently in the legislature would also stop the sale and distribution of pin-base CFLs and linear fluorescent lamps starting January 1, 2025.
You can shop an up-to-date list of products for sale in for sale in Maryland by clicking here.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has additional requirements for general service lamps (GSLs), which include:
- Incandescent lamps that are:
- T shape lamps rated at ≤ 40 Watts or ≥ 10 inches in length
- M-14 lamps rated at ≤ 40 Watts
Linear fluorescents with a CRI greater than or equal to 87 are also no longer for sale. For more information on what's behind the CRI requirement, click here.
You can shop an up-to-date list of products for sale in for sale in Massachusetts by clicking here.
Minnesota
The Clean Lighting bill in Minnesota will end the sale of fluorescent lamps. Screw-base compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will no longer be for sale starting in 2025, and pin-base and linear fluorescent lamps will be restricted beginning in 2026.
You can shop an up-to-date list of products for sale in for sale in Minnesota by clicking here.
Nevada
Nevada banned the sale of high CRI linear fluorescent lamps starting July 1, 2023 with an install date of January 1, 2024.
That includes the following:
- Linear fluorescents with a CRI >= 87
- Cold temperature linear fluorescent lamps
- Impact-resistance linear fluorescent lamps
You can shop for products available in Nevada by using this filter on our online store.
New Jersey
New Jersey adopted restrictions high CRI fluorescents. The following products are no longer for sale:
- High CRI (>= 87) linear fluorescent lamps
- Cold temperature linear fluorescent lamps
- Impact-resistant linear fluorescent lamps
Read more about what's behind the CRI requirement here.
New Jersey also adopted additional restrictions on general service lamps (GSLs). The following products are also no longer for sale:
- Medium screw base lamps that are:
- B, BA, CA, F, and G shape lamps >=200 lumens, <=40W
- A and C shaped lamps 200-310 lumens
You can shop an up-to-date list of products for sale in New Jersey by clicking here.
New York
New York adopted restrictions on the sale of high CRI, cold temperature, and impact-resistant linear fluorescent lamps in 2023. Any lamps manufactured before June 26, 2023, can still be sold in the state. All others can no longer be sold.
Learn more about why states are passing the CRI requirement here.
You can shop an up-to-date list of products for sale in New York by clicking here.
Oregon
Oregon banned high-CRI fluorescent lamps with a manufacture date after January 1, 2023.
The state also banned the sale or distribution of compact fluorescent lamps with a screw-base (e.g. E26, etc.) or bayonet-base ( e.g. GU24, etc.) type, which started in 2024.
On January 1, 2025, the state will ban pin-base type compact fluorescent lamps and linear fluorescent lamps.
Learn more about why states are passing the CRI requirement here.
You can shop an up-to-date list of products for sale in for sale in Oregon by clicking here.
Rhode Island
A ban on some fluorescent products is already in place in Rhode Island. The state eliminated the sale of screw-base compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in 2024.
On January 1, 2025, the state will ban the sale of pin-based and linear fluorescent lamps.
You can shop an up-to-date list of products for sale in for sale in Rhode Island by clicking here.
Vermont
Vermont currently has restrictions in place on high-CRI lighting products and mercury-containing lamps in 2023.
The high-CRI restrictions ban linear fluorescent lamps with a CRI of 87 or higher. Vermont was the first state to enforce a ban on high-CRI linear fluorescents. We explain the ban on linear fluorescent products here.
Vermont also banned the sale of screw-base compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in 2023 and eliminated the sale of other CFLs and four-foot linear fluorescent lamps in 2024.
You can shop for products currently for sale in Vermont by clicking here.
Washington
In 2023, Washington state banned high-CRI linear fluorescent lamps (CRI of 87 or greater).
The state will also ban pin-base compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) starting in 2029.
You can shop an up-to-date list of products for sale in for sale in Washington by clicking here.
Washington, DC
The following linear fluorescent lamps are no longer for sale in Washington, DC:
- High CRI (>=87) linear fluorescent lamps
- Cold temperature linear fluorescent lamps
- Impact-resistant linear fluorescent lamps
On top of federal law regarding GSLs, Washington, DC also banned the following products:
- Medium screw base lamps that are:
- B, BA, CA, F, and G shape lamps >=200 lumens, <=40W
- A and C shaped lamps 200-310 lumens
You can shop an up-to-date list of products for sale in for sale in Washington, DC by clicking here.
What is a GSL (general service lamp)?
According to the new definition by the Department of Energy, a General Service Lamp:
- Has an ANSI base (with the exclusion of light fixtures, LED downlight retrofit kits, and exemptions for specific base types);
- Has an initial lumen output of greater than or equal to 310 lumens (or 232 lumens for modified spectrum GSIL) and less than or equal to 3,300 lumens;
- Is able to operate at a voltage of 12 V or 24 V, at or between 100 and 130 V, at or between 220 to 240 V, or of 277 V for integrated lamps, or is able to operate at any voltage for non-integrated lamps;
- Is not a light fixture
- Is not an LED downlight retrofit kit
- Is used in general lighting applications
General Service Lamp (GSL) Exemptions
There are a number of products that are exempt from the definition of a General Service Lamp and can still be sold according to federal law. (Note: state laws on exemptions may vary.)
Some of the exemptions below have tighter restrictions with the latest federal updates. For example, there is now a minimum wattage for infrared heat lamps that will result in some lower wattage heat lamps being discontinued without equivalent wattage replacements. For more detail on exemptions, you can review this link.
The exemptions include:
- Appliance lamps
- Black light lamps
- Bug lamps
- Silver bowl lamps
- Colored lamps
- G shape lamps with a diameter of 5 inches or more
- General service fluorescent lamps
- Sign service lamps
- High intensity discharge lamps
- Infrared lamps
- J, JC, JCD, JCS, JCV, JCX, JD, JS, and JT shape lamps that do not have Edison screw bases
- Showcase lamps
- Lamps that have a wedge base or prefocus base
- Left-hand thread lamps
- Marine lamps
- Specialty MR lamps
- Marine signal service lamps
- Mine service lamps
- Plant light lamps
- Traffic signal lamps
- Other fluorescent lamps R20 short lamps
- MR shape lamps that:
- have a first number symbol equal to 16 (diameter equal to 2 inches) as defined in ANSI C79.1– 2002
- operate at 12 volts, and
- have a lumen output greater than or equal to 800
- Reflector lamps that have a first number symbol less than 16 (diameter less than 2 inches) as defined in ANSIC79.1–2002, and that do not have E26/E24, E26d, E26/50x39, E26/53x39, E29/2 S shape or G shape lamps that have a first number symbol less than or equal to 12.5 (diameter less than or equal to 1.5625 inches) as defined in ANSI C79.1-2002
- T-shape lamps that have a first number symbol less than or equal to 8 (diameter less than or equal to 1 inch), nominal overall length less than 12 inches, and that are not compact fluorescent lamps
General service fluorescent lamp (GSFL) exemptions
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) defines GSFLs as "any fluorescent lamp that can be used to satisfy the majority of fluorescent lighting applications."
GSFLs do not include any lamp designed and marketed for the following nongeneral application:
- Fluorescent lamps designed to promote plant growth
- Fluorescent lamps specifically designed for cold temperature applications
- Colored fluorescent lamps
- Impact-resistant fluorescent lamps
- Reflectorized or aperture lamps
- Fluorescent lamps designed for use in reprographic equipment
- Lamps primarily designed to produce radiation in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum
- Lamps with a color rendering Index of 87 or greater.
What is lumens per watt?
Lumens per watt (LPW) is a unit of efficacy, or the rate at which a lamp is able to convert power (watts) into light (lumens).
A watt is a unit of power. You can think of it as how much energy a light bulb is consuming.
A lumen is the amount of visible light output, or the amount of light produced by a light bulb.
When you bought a traditional incandescent light bulb, many people paid attention to wattage as a measurement of how bright a light bulb would be.
Now, especially with a large amount of LED products on the market, the focus is on lumens. Light bulbs can now produce more light (lumens) with less energy (wattage). Lumens per watt is becoming a more common measurement in the move towards more energy-efficient lighting.
What’s behind the CRI restrictions?
CRI stands for color rendering index. It determines how accurately a light source portrays color.
High CRI linear fluorescent lamps were excluded from EISA, so states are able to restrict them if they want.
The change mainly eliminates T12s with a CRI of 87 or higher, but may also exclude some T8s. T12s are mostly phased out already.
This change is still consistent with a push to become more energy efficient. T12s consume more energy than other linear fluorescent tubes like T8s and T5s. LEDs consume even less energy with more advanced technology.
Questions about finding the right product
If you have any questions about which products about which lighting products are restricted in your state, please do not hesitate to contact us.
