The law states that any person without authority who enters or remains on property or premises will be guilty of criminal trespassing. Consent can be given orally or in written fashion.
Guilty parties will be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Signs prohibiting hunting, fishing or trapping where they may reasonably be seen; or (ii) placing identifying paint marks on trees or posts at each road entrance and adjacent to public roadways and public waterways adjoining the property.
Even land that is unused, unimproved and is neither fenced or designed to exclude trespassers is off limits either through verbal communication or posting of signage in a conspicuous manner.
Trespassing will be considered whenever someone enters and remains without proper consent from the owner, an authorized representative or when there has been notice posted in a conspicuous manner. If the trespassing involves a vehicle or occupiable structure it is considered a Class B misdemeanor, otherwise it is a Class C misdemeanor.
Signs are placed not more than 500 feet apart along, and at each corner of, the boundaries of the land:
- in letters of not less than 2 inches in height, the words “no trespassing” and in addition thereto the name of the owner, lessee, or occupant of said land.
- Conspicuous no trespassing notice is painted on trees or posts on the property
- Painted in an international orange color and displaying the stenciled words “No Trespassing” in letters no less than 2 inches high and 1 inch wide either vertically or horizontally
Trespassing in Illinois occurs when someone knowingly enters without consent or authorization from the owner or an agent.
The owner must ensure that written notice forbidding entry is posted in a visible way at the main entrance to the land or property or forbidden part. Other markings can include use “purple marks” on poles or trees to prevent trespassing. This is only applicable to municipalities of under 2,000,000 inhabitants.
Violators will be deemed trespassing under a number of different circumstances when they knowingly enter and remain on real property without proper oral or written consent.
notice can be given by “posting or exhibiting a notice at the main entrance in a manner that is either prescribed by law or likely to come to the attention of the public.
In most cases this will constitute a Class A misdemeanor but can be a Class D felony depending on where the trespassing occurs and whether there have been previous convictions.
In Kentucky, trespassing is defined as knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully in a dwelling. Depending on the situation, it can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a violation, with no specific language regarding posted notice or signage.
The person is guilty of trespassing when they knowingly enter or remain in any place they are not authorized to be in. Any trespassing in a “secured premises” warrants a misdemeanor.
Signage can ensure that the property or land is considered a “secured premises.”
Violations of the law will result in a class B felony when the perpetrator causes damage exceeding $1,500 in value.
Trespassing punishments vary based on circumstances but the act itself is defined by entering or remaining without authorization.
For most situations signage posted "in a manner reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders, with notice not to enter the premises” is sufficient notice.
Paint markers are only used to prohibit hunting, fishing, and trapping, as signage requirements for preventing hunting, fishing, trapping or the removal of pine needles/straw are more stringent than those for mere trespassing.
“a person commits an offense if, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so,” enters and remains on property.
Wording for signage or “posted” notice is very similar in that it must be “posted in a manner prescribed by law or reasonably likely to come to the attention
Offenders will be subject to varying levels of crimes, fines and potential imprisonment.
As for signage, agricultural lands require posting of notice in conspicuous places on the four borders of the land. Further, even enclosed places must have “clearly visible signs prohibiting trespass upon the premises.”
The law states that a person commits trespassing by entering or remaining on property without the proper consent. This offense is a Class C misdemeanor.
Signage requirements are that the property owner must have signs that are visible at all major points of access or entry to the property and that they are reasonably likely to be seen by any person entering the property.
Criminal trespass is defined as a person entering or remaining on or in property without “effective consent.” To be considered trespassing there must be verbal or written notice.
If unfenced, written notice can be done in two ways. These are:
- a sign or signs posted on the property or at the entrance to the building, reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders, indicating that entry is forbidden;
- the placement of identifying purple paint marks on trees or posts on the property (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)
West Virginia’s definition of criminal trespassing is, “willful unauthorized entry upon, in or under the property of another.” In most instances this is punishable by a misdemeanor and a fine but in some cases this can be a felony.
Signage “‘Posted land’ is that land upon which reasonably maintained signs are placed not more than five hundred feet apart along and at each corner of the boundaries of the land, upon which signs there appears prominently in letters of not less than two inches in height the words “no trespassing” and in addition thereto the name of the owner, lessee or occupant of the land.
In Utah, trespassing involves entering or remaining on property without consent.
Notice must be given either verbally or through methods that are likely to come to the attention of intruders.
Violators can be charged with a Class B or Class A misdemeanor, depending on the specifics of the case.
Orange or yellow paint is used to prohibit hunting on private property.
From Utah Code Title 23A, Ch.5, Part 3: "Properly posted" means that "No Trespassing" signs or a minimum of 100 square inches of bright yellow, bright orange, or fluorescent paint are displayed at all corners, fishing streams crossing property lines, roads, gates, and rights-of-way entering the land. If metal fence posts are used, the entire exterior side must be painted.
It is considered trespassing when informed or requested by a land owner, an authorized representative or law enforcement. It is also considered trespassing if “reasonable notice prohibiting entry” has been posted.
“No Trespassing’ signs or other notices of like meaning spaced at intervals of not less than one (1) notice per six hundred sixty (660) feet along such real property.”
signage can ensure that willful damage and trespassing makes violators guilty of a misdemeanor.
“Posted with “No Trespassing” signs, is posted with a minimum of one hundred (100) square inches of fluorescent orange, bright orange, blaze orange, safety orange or any similar high visibility shade of orange colored paint except that when metal fence posts are used
Entering and remaining without the license or privilege to do so constitutes trespassing in Montana.
- Notice must be placed on a post, structure, or natural object by marking it with written notice or with not less than 50 square inches of fluorescent orange paint, except that when metal fence posts are used, the entire post must be painted;
In Nevada, criminal trespassing occurs when someone willfully enters or remains on property without authorization, typically after receiving a warning.
- Generic "no trespassing" signage is required.
- For agricultural land, more detailed signage regulations involve painting fluorescent orange on structures and posts at specific intervals and locations.
- For other land uses, similar painting requirements apply but with shorter intervals.
Trespassers can not enter property where signs are placed in a reasonably visible way. Paint marks on trees or posts at each roadway entrance and adjacent to public roadways, waterways and adjoining land also constitutes fair warning.
Violators are charged with a misdemeanor and can be fined and/or imprisoned.
The person that has entered and/or remains on land that is neither fenced nor designed to exclude intruders and has no intent to commit a crime can remain on the land unless the following is in place:
- Notice is given to the person by the owner or by an authorized person that there is no trespassing.
- Notice is given to the person in a reasonably visible way based on the circumstances.
The notice must be legible in English, at least 144 square inches, display the names and addresses of the authorized person and the permission granter, be placed at all access points (or cardinal points if on an island), and specify prohibitions like no digging, hunting, fishing, or trespassing.
Trespassing in California includes entering enclosed or cultivated private property without written permission or entering uncultivated, unenclosed land with posted signs forbidding trespass at intervals of at least three per mile along all exterior roads and trails.
Offenders face fines of $75, $250, and a misdemeanor for first, second, and third offenses, respectively.
In Connecticut, trespassing occurs when someone enters and remains on land they know they are not authorized to be on, including for activities like hunting, fishing, or trapping.
This applies to fenced or enclosed areas or premises with legally posted signs. The same rules apply to state lands and areas near state institutions, with trespassers facing an infraction and a fine.
Delaware trespassing laws state that anyone who enters and remains unlawfully on property without the owner's consent or enters a fenced or enclosed area can be found guilty of trespassing.
There is no specific language regarding signage or trespassing on unenclosed areas.
In Georgia, trespassing occurs when someone knowingly enters and remains on private property without proper authorization.
The law lacks specific language on posted signage, stating only that violators must have received notice from the owner, which could be interpreted as either a verbal warning or posted signage, though this is unclear.
In Hawaii, trespassing occurs when someone knowingly enters and remains on property after a reasonable warning from the owner, an authorized representative, or law enforcement.
For agricultural lands that are unenclosed, visible signs stating "Private Property" with letters at least 2 inches high must be posted along borders and entry points.
Unused or unimproved lands must also have visible signs with similar wording like "Private Property – No Trespassing" or "Government Property – No Trespassing" at boundaries and entry points.
In Massachusetts, trespassing occurs when someone enters or remains on property without written or verbal consent. While the law mentions that "notice posted thereon" can constitute sufficient notice, it doesn't provide stringent details for signage.
Violators may face fines and/or imprisonment depending on the offense.
In Michigan, trespassing occurs when someone enters or remains on property without lawful authority or after being asked to leave. There are no specific signage requirements, and violators are charged with a misdemeanor, facing fines and/or incarceration.
In Minnesota, trespassing occurs when someone enters or remains on property without proper consent. The state has detailed signage requirements:
- for locked buildings, signs must be 8.5” x 11”, placed conspicuously, and include a general warning against trespass.
- for larger construction areas, more signs are required based on the land size.
- mining locations need signs with letters at least two inches high, stating that trespassing is prohibited, and posted at intervals of 500 feet or less.
In Mississippi, trespassing is defined as entering or remaining on someone else's property after being forbidden to do so, either through verbal or written notice.
Signs must be posted where they can be reasonably seen, either on the building or at the forbidden area. Reasonably sized signage stating "no trespassing" is sufficient.
Offenders are charged with a misdemeanor and may face fines and/or imprisonment.
In New Jersey, trespassing involves entering or remaining on property without authorization.
Notice can be given through actual communication from an authorized person, fencing, or signage posted in a manner likely to be seen by intruders. Properly sized "No Trespassing" signs are considered sufficient.
Offenses can range from a fourth-degree crime to a petty disorderly persons offense, depending on the circumstances.
In New Mexico, trespassing is defined as knowingly entering or remaining on property without permission.
It is considered a misdemeanor and may result in the loss of a hunting or fishing license. Removing "no trespassing" signs is also a misdemeanor.
For signage, the law requires that notices be placed along the exterior boundaries or access points of unfenced property. Signs must be at least 144 square inches, legibly printed in English, include contact information for the property authority, and be posted every 500 feet. They should also specify any prohibitions like "no trespassing," "no hunting," or similar restrictions.
In New York, criminal trespassing is defined as entering or remaining on property without authorization, regardless of intent. Proper signage is crucial, as insufficient notice can affect guilt.
Signs must be conspicuously posted to provide adequate notice. Trespassing can lead to varying degrees of misdemeanors or even felonies, depending on the circumstances.
In Ohio, trespassing is considered a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
Proper notice is required, which means signage or posting must be done in a way that is reasonably likely to come to the attention of potential intruders.
In Oklahoma, trespassing occurs when someone willfully or maliciously enters property without permission.
Penalties can include fines and imprisonment.
To provide notice, signs such as “PROPERTY RESTRICTED,” “POSTED – KEEP OUT,” “KEEP OUT,” “NO TRESPASSING,” or similar must be placed conspicuously at all expected entry points, whether the property is fenced or not.
In Rhode Island, trespassing involves willfully entering and remaining on property without permission after being forbidden by an authorized person.
While the statute doesn’t specify the type of notice required, it is generally understood that visible no trespassing signage or verbal communication would be sufficient.
Penalties for trespassing can include fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
In South Dakota, criminal trespassing occurs when someone knowingly enters or remains in a building or structure without permission.
Offenders are typically charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor.
To be considered trespassing, notice must be given either verbally or through signage that is reasonably likely to come to the attention of potential intruders.
In Washington, trespassing is defined as entering and remaining on property without privilege or license. It is considered a misdemeanor.
For land that is unused or not enclosed, signage must be posted in a conspicuous manner to provide proper notice. Basic "No Trespassing" signs that are clearly visible are generally sufficient to give property owners legal recourse.
In Wisconsin, trespassing laws require that notice be given through signage or markings.
Signs must be at least 11 inches square and placed in two conspicuous locations for every 40 acres, clearly stating the property is private. Markings should be at least one foot long, including the phrase "private land" and the owner's name. Signs must also be at least 5x7 inches near all entrances to prevent firearms in certain areas.
Trespassing is typically considered a misdemeanor and may involve a forfeiture.
In Wyoming, trespassing laws state that a person is guilty of trespassing if they enter or remain on someone else's property without authorization or after being notified not to.
Trespassing is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $750, or both. Notice can be given either personally or through signs that are reasonably likely to be noticed by intruders.
In many states, the dimensions and placement of the purple paint mark are also set by law. The most common requirements dictate that the purple stripes must be vertical, eight inches tall and one inch wide; and that they must must be positioned at least three feet from the ground, but no higher than five feet.
Several states with “purple paint laws” actually designate a different color (usually orange).
In some states, purple paint laws prohibit hunting and fishing, but do not prohibit general entry onto a property.
There are different colors that people associate with different things. For example, most people associate a red light with “stop.” That is why people generally come to a stop at a red stop sign as well. In addition, when people see green, it generally means “go.” That is what people associate with a green light.
Purple also has a very interesting meaning. If there is purple paint somewhere, it typically means no trespassing. Purple paint could signify that someone is about to step onto private property, which means that if they are there without permission, they could be arrested for trespassing. Is this an actual law? There are several states that have interesting statutes related to purple paint.
What States Have Purple Paint Laws?
Even though there are a lot of people who generally accept that purple paint means no trespassing, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is legally enforceable. For example, New York does not have a purple paint law. This means that if there is purple paint somewhere in New York, it doesn’t mean anything beyond the shade of its color.
On the other hand, twenty-two states do recognize a purple paint law. These states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. This means that landowners could indicate that their land is off-limits if they paint the trunks of trees near the perimeter of their property purple.
It is important to note that allow these laws are called purple paint laws, not every state requires that the paint used to mark trespassing is purple. Idaho and Montana use orange paint instead, and Maryland uses blue oil-based paint. Private property in Virginia can be marked with purple or aluminum paint. Purple paint is also only used to stop hunting, fishing, and trapping on private property in North Carolina.
Is a Purple Paint Law Beneficial?
There are some states that believe that having a purple paint law is beneficial. For example, purple paint gives landowners an easy way to mark their property without having to go out and purchase new signs. If someone owns a significant amount of property, it might mean that they have to purchase multiple miles of boundary tape. Then, they have to deal with their property being vandalized. With purple paint, many of these issues are rectified.
Purple paint could also be environmentally friendly, depending on the type of paint someone purchases. On the other hand, the drawback is that not everyone knows what purple paint means. A sign is much easier for people to recognize, and some people do not realize that purple paint is the equivalent of no trespassing.
What Is the Penalty for Trespassing?
If the state does not have a purple paint law, then it might not be legally enforceable. That means that someone may not be able to bring a case against someone just because there was purple paint marked on the tree that they walked past. On the other hand, if there is a purple paint law on the books, then it is possible that someone could be arrested for trespassing.
Every state has a different law related to trespassing, and there are some states that have more severe punishments than others. Some people could be fined for trespassing, while other people may have to spend time in jail.
