The Reason Why You See Fence Posts Painted Purple In Texas Now

Texas hunters are preparing for the opening of deer season. The blinds are being constructed, the lanes are being carved out, the feeders are being positioned and stocked with corn all in hopes of attracting and bringing down that big buck this fall.

While many hunters lease land for the big hunt this fall, others choose to save and hunt on free or government land around Texas. Hunting either of these ways is perfectly legal, however, there is a rule about boundaries that ALL Texans must be aware of.

Texas is among a handful of states with a 'Purple Paint' law.

Simply put, land owners can opt to mark their private property with purple paint on fence posts to signify no trespassing because it is private property.

This purple paint law isn't just for hunters, it applies to everyone. Even those out on a hike through the woods in Jefferson or using and ATV on the trails in Kilgore, Texas. You could be breaking the law if you're on the wrong side of the fence.

Keep an eye out for those purple markings on fence posts.

If you see a purple marking on a fence post or tree you'll want to stop in your tracks, don't cross the fence and turn around. Definitely don't proceed any further because you could be fined for trespassing.

Texas Penal Code §30.05, if a property is fenced, posted with at least one sign, or marked with purple paint, it is illegal for anyone to enter. The fine or jail time for trespassing in Texas can be up to $2,000 or up to 180 days."

Because traditional No Trespassing signs may fade, be damaged, or fall off over the course of time, paint is a longer-lasting alternative to serve as a warning. There are specifics that landowners must follow when it comes to painting things purple. “Vertical lines no less than eight inches in length and not less than one inch in width, and the bottom of the mark not less than three nor more than five feet from the ground.”

The marking must also be placed at locations that are readily visible to any person approaching the property on trees or posts “no more than 100 feet apart on forest land or 1,000 feet apart on land other than forest land.”

Known as the 'Purple Paint Law', this law dates back to 1997. So while you're out hunting that big game or just exploring our great state and you see a purple fence post, don't cross that fence because you could be charged with a Class B or C misdemeanor. Many other states have a similar law.