Prior to 2007, the Illumination Engineering Society (IES) used the cutoff classification system to rate the amount of uplight produced by a luminaire. In 2007, cutoff classifications were replaced with BUG (Backlight, Uplight, Glare) ratings. BUG ratings are specified in IES document TM-15-11.

The center letter U of the BUG rating may range from U0 with no uplight, to U5 with over 1000 lumens of uplight. TxDOT's standard LED luminaires are specified to have an uplight rating of U0. If the luminaires are mounted level they will not emit any uplight.