When you’re hiking or driving down an unfamiliar road, you may notice a fence, post, or even tree painted purple. Make no mistake - this is not an artistic choice. The color purple is actually an important sign for travelers and passers-by. Generally speaking, a purple post or fence is synonymous with a “no trespassing” sign.
Unlike the sign, however, that can fall down or be stolen, a purple fence or tree is easy to maintain and visible from a long distance. The new law is intended to prevent trespassing and hunting on occupied areas, and it’s predicted to be very helpful for large landowners.
Another reason for the law’s adoption in states like Texas, Illinois, Arizona, and Kansas is the prevention of hunting accidents. According to Tiphero, as many as 1,000 people are shot and killed in hunting accidents in the US annually, many of whom are unaware landowners trying to prevent trespassers from hunting on their territory.
For those of you wondering why purple, and not orange or blue, were chosen for the task, here’s a fascinating fact. It turns out that the color purple is one of very few colors that can be spotted by people who are colorblind according to Reader's Digest. Therefore, everyone who can see will be able to identify a purple fence and avoid trespassing on someone’s territory.
Keep in mind that only about half of all states have adopted the new “purple fence” policy, including Maine, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Florida, Idaho, and Arkansas, in addition to the 4 states we mentioned above. Check your local laws to learn about the purple fence laws in your area.
If you want to mark your property with purple paint, keep in mind that the purple stripes must be at least 1 inch wide, 8 inches long, and vertical. The markings must be placed at least 100 feet away from each other and clearly visible, so experts recommend placing them at the height of 3-5 feet above the ground.
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