Here's why you need to turn around and quickly leave the area if you see purple paint in Texas.

KEEP OUT AND STAY OUT!

attachment-WFAA Youtube (35)
loading...

There are a few ways to notify people that entry is forbidden. A few common ways are:

  • Oral Notice
  • Written Notice
  • Signs
  • Fenced Off Area

However, in Texas, there is one more exception: PURPLE PAINT.

PURPLE-PAINTED TREES/POSTS

attachment-WFAA Youtube (36)
loading...

Seeing a tree or posts painted purple has the same legal significance as a posted "No Trespassing" sign, in Texas. There are some specifications for the placement of the paint to make hold its legal status.

Section 30.05, Texas Penal Code indicates, 

"The placement of identifying purple paint marks on trees or posts on the property. If purple paint is used, then the purple paint must be vertical lines of not less than eight inches in length and not less than one inch in width; placed so that the bottom of the mark is not less than three feet from the ground or more than five feet from the ground; and placed at locations that are readily visible to any person approaching the property and no more than 100 feet apart on forest land or 1,000 feet apart on land other than forest land."

WHY PURPLE PAINT?

Using paint is more permanent. Often, signs can get knocked down by weather, animals, or even stolen and vandalized by people. Using purple paint allows colorblind people to recognize the warning.

OTHER STATES WHO PRACTICE THIS LAW

Over 15 states currently have a purple paint law that carries the same legal weight as "No Trespassing" signs in those states.

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Maine
  • Missouri
  • North Carolina
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas

LESSER KNOWN TEXAS TRAFFIC LAWS

More From B93