Can we use lanterns instead of torches?
Near barns or inside towns it is not allowed to use torches (codex).

I didn't come across any yet.

I haven't seen any yet either, though some towns are fine with (actually demand) torches at night (the gards yell at you if you don't have a light, but they don't seem to take any action against you).

I was caught in Rattay without a light, trying to steal the wine for Capon, but wanted to make myself a potion of nightsight and got caught behind the apothecary. Had to pay up...