"No Trespassing"

By Mark Phoenix posted June 30, 2022

“No Trespassing”

I must admit that I have only heard about this topic in passing.  It’s often referred to as the “purple paint law” that is in effect in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, but, not in New York State .

In the states of the union named above and, in some places in CNY I have been told, one may see purple stripe in rural areas painted on a tree or fence post that means “no trespassing” or “stay out”. 

The purple stripes are described by proponents as being less harsh looking than “no trespassing” or “stay out” signs and they do not require as much maintenance that a sign might need over the course of time.

There are mixed opinions whether New York State should adopt a “purple paint law” or keep “no trespassing” signs.  Supporters of “purple paint” say it provides landowners an easy method to mark their land without having to purchase signs.  Of course, landowners would have to purchase purple paint, a paint brush and conform to size standards described below.

Those who support keeping “no trespassing” signs say the advantage of signage is that people who are walking near a private boundary line can simply read the sign.

Of course, if New York State were to adopt a purple paint law, there would have to be significant promotion so the public can become familiar with the meaning of purple or violet stripes.

If someone were to paint violet stripes on a tree or fence post, they must follow the guidelines which dictate the stripes be painted vertically, at least 1 inch wide, 8 inches long and 3 to 5 feet off the ground and no more than 100 feet apart.

If you have read the blog this far, you may have wondered why purple or violet stripes are recommended and not another color.  The answer I found is taken, in part, from a bill that was introduced by former New York State Senator James L. Seward in 2018 prior to being defeated in the New York State Assembly:  “…researchers on the subject advocate the specific use of the color purple as it stands out in a natural setting, is not already used in the forestry industry and it is a hue that is recognizable for colorblind individuals.”.