Do You Know What Purple Paint on a Fence Means in Texas?

When I first wrote about the no-trespassing "Purple Paint Law" in Texas, legislators were still "refining and defining" the bill. When first introduced it was simple: paint the fencepost purple and put a sign right next to it that reads "no trespassing".

Today, the no-trespassing sign is not necessary if the fenceposts are painted purple. The paint must cover at least eight inches of the post and be clearly visible. While metal T-posts are painted white on top for visibility purposes, they too can be painted purple and serve as a no-trespassing sign.

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A few notable items that have been added or updated are the consequences for violating the purple paint warnings. The directive to steer clear of someone's property does not have to be verbal or written; it can simply be painted purple posts in clear view.

Trespassers can be held criminally liable for entering a property without the permission of the owner. If you are caught trespassing and refuse to leave, the punishments are different depending on the circumstances.

For example, punishment for simple trespassing can be a class-C misdemeanor with up to a $2,000 dollar fine and up to 180 days in jail. However, if you are caught trespassing with a rifle or shotgun, the offense is considered a Class-A misdemeanor and can result in a $4,000 dollar fine, possible forfeiture of your firearm, and up to one year in jail.

So if you're hiking, hunting or fishing in the Lonestar State, know where you can and cannot go. In Texas, trespassers can be shot according to the "Castle Law". The video below shows you the exact shade of purple to look for.

Texas Purple Paint/No Trespassing Law:
Purple paint marks, according to the law, must be vertical and at least 8 inches long and at least 1 inch wide. Also, the law states that purple paint must be “placed so that the bottom of the mark is not less than 3 feet from the ground or more than 5 feet from the ground.“

Finally, if purple marks are used, they must be placed every 100 feet on forest land and every 1,000 feet on all other lands. Forest land is a property where trees are suitable for timber products.

The purple fence post law in Texas is enforceable by any licensed peace officer, such as sheriff’s deputies, police officers, and game wardens. The law exempts firefighters and medics from responding to emergencies on the property. Source:US Law Shield

If you run across purple paint on a fence or a tree, do not cross or you could be charged with criminal trespass. Stay up-to-date on Texas no-trespassing laws here: Sec. 30.05. CRIMINAL TRESPASS.
Source: statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs