Car Dealership Lighting Layout & Design
Get Your Custom Lighting Plan With Product Recommendations
Includes up to 8% off the price of our recommended lighting products 
Dedicated Sales Support
Every lighting plan comes with a dedicated product specialist, providing personalized service and expert advice for your project needs.
How long does it take to get a plan?
1-2 for indoor and 2-3 days for outdoor projects
Our Customers
4
5
CBRE needed high quality lighting for their customer, with stock available for ongoing projects.
Customer had an urgent need for high temperature lights. We had them in stock & shipped out next day.
Poor lighting caused parking lot safety issues for spectators. Our lighting plan & new lights resulted in an improved experience.
Customer needed to source large quantities of specialty fixtures for use in their manufactured products.
Tracy Electric was seeking a reliable source for ongoing lighting projects.
Distributors partner with us to provide customers a high quality product at a reasonable price.
Repeat lighting supplier for an electrical contractor working in manufacturing facilities.
Permanent tent lighting for large acrobatics facility. Our lighting plan & recommendations resulted in ideal performer & spectator safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Car dealership lighting design is critical for both attracting customers and ensuring vehicles are displayed at their best. A well-executed lighting plan addresses layout, fixture selection, mounting height, and light levels for each area of your dealership. This helps you achieve balanced illumination, reduce shadows, and make informed decisions before purchasing fixtures.
What Goes Into a Successful Car Dealership Lighting Design?
A successful car dealership lighting design provides the right amount of light and ensures balanced illumination throughout the space. For car dealerships, showcasing vehicles in optimal lighting is essential to attracting buyers. Dealerships are typically divided into three areas: indoor showroom lighting, outdoor lot lighting, and service/office/waiting areas. Each area requires different light levels and fixture types. A professional lighting plan removes guesswork by showing exactly how your space will look with the recommended fixtures and layout.
How Many Lumens Do You Need to Light Up a Car Dealership?
For interior showrooms, we recommend 40-100 lumens per square foot to showcase vehicles effectively. Service areas require 40-75 lumens per square foot for detailed work. Exterior sales lots need 10-40 lumens per square foot, depending on your lighting zone classification and local requirements.
What Is the Ideal Pole Height for Car Dealership Lighting Design?
We recommend a minimum of 20-foot poles for car dealership lots, though 30-foot poles often deliver superior results. Higher mounting heights improve light distribution and uniformity between poles, reducing dark spots and providing more even illumination across your lot.
What Are the Recommended Light Levels for Car Dealership Areas?
- Showroom: 40-100 foot-candles (fc)
- Service Area: 40-75 fc
- Sales Lot (Exterior) – Lighting Zone 3 (Urban): 10-40 fc
- Sales Lot (Exterior) – Lighting Zone 2 (Suburban): 10-30 fc
How Do You Choose the Best Lights for a Car Dealership?
Lighting plans specify the exact fixtures needed for your space, considering factors like beam angles, color temperature, and uniformity ratios. This ensures vehicles are well-lit and colors appear accurate. The plan confirms that lighting will be bright enough and properly balanced before you purchase any fixtures.
How Accurate Is a Lighting Plan?
Our lighting plans use industry-leading photometric software to model indoor and outdoor spaces and predict actual light levels. When fixtures are installed according to the plan, you should achieve the specified foot-candle levels and uniformity. This accuracy helps you avoid surprises after installation.
What Does a Car Dealership Lighting Plan Include?
Our comprehensive lighting plans include fixture specifications, mounting locations, photometric calculations, and detailed layouts for each area. Separate plans are provided for showrooms, service bays, and exterior lots. Each plan shows light levels, uniformity ratios, and includes a complete fixture schedule with part numbers.
How Much Can LED Lighting Save a Car Dealership on Energy Costs?
LED lighting typically reduces energy consumption by 60-80 percent compared to metal halide or fluorescent systems. A typical car dealership can save $15,000-$30,000 annually on electricity costs. LEDs also last 50,000+ hours, reducing maintenance and replacement expenses.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Custom Lighting Plan?
We deliver custom lighting plans within 3-5 business days after receiving your site drawings or measurements. Rush plans are available in 24-48 hours for time-sensitive projects. Our experienced lighting designers work directly with your specifications to ensure accuracy.
Why Should I Get a Lighting Plan Before Purchasing Fixtures?
A lighting plan prevents costly mistakes by showing exactly what fixtures you need and where to place them. Without a plan, you risk over-lighting (wasting money), under-lighting (poor car visibility), or creating dark spots that hurt sales. The plan helps ensure you buy the right fixtures the first time.
How Far Apart Should Car Dealership Lot Lights Be Spaced?
Fixture spacing depends on pole height, fixture wattage, and desired light levels. As a general guideline, poles are often spaced between 2 to 2.5 times the mounting height to maintain uniform coverage and minimize shadows. A lighting plan will calculate the optimal spacing for your specific site.
How Do I Reduce Shadows or Dark Spots in My Dealership Lot?
To minimize shadows and dark spots, use proper pole height, correct fixture spacing, and select fixtures with appropriate beam angles. Overlapping light patterns and uniform fixture placement are key. A photometric lighting plan will identify and address potential problem areas before installation.
Do I Need a Custom Lighting Plan for My Car Dealership?
Every dealership has unique site conditions, display layouts, and lighting requirements. A custom lighting plan ensures your specific needs are met, providing the right light levels, fixture types, and layout for your property. This helps maximize both visual appeal and energy efficiency.
Sample Car Dealership Lighting Plans and Heat Map
