This is the time of year when the weather warms and Missourians head into the woods searching for mushrooms, arrowheads or one of our state’s beautiful hiking trails. It is also the time of year when a number of trees receive a fresh coat of purple paint.
Commonly known as the Purple Paint Law, this law allows landowners to mark their property as a “no trespassing” area by painting purple vertical stripes on trees and posts located on their property.
The law was passed and signed into law in 1993 as an economical, easy and effective way for landowners to keep out trespassers. It’s not a hunting regulation — it’s a state statute that allows landowners to clearly mark their property.
Landowners can still use “No Trespassing” signs; however, the Purple Paint Law allows landowners to mark trees or posts with purple paint as a warning to would-be trespassers. Just like a “No Trespassing” sign or communication to individuals indicating no trespassing is allowed, the purple paint marks are considered adequate notice to the public that no trespassing is allowed on the property. The law states any person trespassing onto property marked by purple paint can be found guilty of first-degree trespassing. Any unauthorized entry onto property marked with the purple paint is considered trespassing.
Those violating the law can be charged with first-degree trespassing, which is a Class B misdemeanor. Those found guilty could receive a fine up to $500 fine and/or a maximum of six months in jail.
If someone wants to mark their property with purple paint in accordance with the state law, there are a few things that need to be understood.
Under Missouri’s law:
- Any owner or lessee of property can mark their property with purple paint;
- Purple paint marks must be placed on either trees or posts;
- The law does not specifically say anything about buildings, grain bins or other structures;
- Vertical paint lines must be at least eight inches long (the law does not mention a maximum length);
- The bottom edge of each paint mark must be between three feet and five feet off the ground;
- Paint marks must be readily visible to any person approaching the property; and
- Purple paint marks cannot be more than 100 feet apart.
The key is to make sure the marks are clearly visible because they may fade or become difficult to see over time. Any landowner participating in this program must regularly mark their property. It is the responsibility of the landowner to make sure the purple paint and is clearly visible.
As always, I encourage my constituents to contact me throughout the year with comments, questions or suggestions by calling my office at (573) 751-5713. To find more information about the bills I sponsor, visit www.senate.mo.gov/brown. Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.