Ministry of Environment announced that the partial amendment to 'Enforcement Decree on Artificial Light Pollution Prevention Act' was resolved by the State Council on May 12th and enter into force on May 27th. The amendment created new standards on fines for violation of artificial lighting regulations.

Light pollution management agencies were selected to inspect whether streetlights and advertising lights observe the allowed lighting level. The system was first introduced following the amendment to the higher law last year (Law No.16610, amended on Nov. 26th, 2019 and enforced on May 27th, 2020)

Before the system was introduced, local governments investigated violation of the allowed lighting standards as complaints were filed. However, the demand for investigation was on the rise due to the increase in the lighting environment management areas and the installation of lighting devices.

The system will allow local governments to trust lighting pollution investigation to specialized agencies to better respond to the rising demand for lighting pollution.

Under the amended law, failure by lighting pollution generators to keep the record of investigation results may result in fine of up to \3 million. The fine is levied* according to the number of violations.

* \1.5 million for first offense, \2.1 million for 2nd offense, and \3million thereafter

The amount of fine, which had been quite low compared to the legally set maximum, will be raised to enhance the enforcement power of administrative measures such as local government's power to order lighting environment improvement or order for operation suspension.

※ \50,000 for first offense of lighting standard has been raised to \300,000 (from 5% of the \1 million in fine for the third offense to 30%)

Authorities regarding designation or revocation of lighting pollution inspection   agencies, reporting of investigational work, demand for data submission, or equipment inspection are transferred to the National Institute of Environmental Research of Ministry of Environment. 

The amendment to the enforcement decree also stipulates that technical support for the management of lighting pollution area of local governments be trusted with Korea Environment Corporation of Ministry of Environment.

In addition to the amendment to the enforcement decree, Ministry of Environment will submit the partial amendment of enforcement decree to Ministry of Government Legislation. The partial amendment, which defines criteria on human resources and equipment to introduce inspection agency, will be announced on May 27th along with the enforcement decree.

Environmental Health Policy Director Ha Mi-na said "We will endeavor to make sure that the lighting pollution inspection agency system contributes to creating pleasant lighting environment."