Are You Aware Of Missouri’s Purple Paint Law?

Leaves, grass, and sticks pile up on the fence from the flooding.

Leaves, grass, and sticks pile up on the fence from the flooding.

Are you aware that Missouri homeowners can protect their property using purple paint? While ‘No Trespassing’ signs is a lawful notice of personal property, so is the purple paint. Here is what you need to know.

Its Purpose

A landowner or leaseholder wants to claim their land, protecting it from trespassers.  You can post ‘No Trespassing’ signs. However, those who want to trespass often tear these signs down.  What can be more permanent? Paint!

In 1993, the Missouri General Assembly enacted the ‘Purple Paint Law.’

The Law

This law allows landowners and leaseholders to post their boundaries using purple paint on trees or posts.

Requirements

This is a means of protection. Therefore, it is not legal if it is hidden. The paint must be in a line at least 8 inches long. It must be between 3 and 5 feet above the ground. The marks must be less than 100 feet apart. And any visitor must be able to readily see the paint.

Reasons

Using purple paint tends to last longer than signs. Thus, it is more economical. The paint allows peace of mind to landowners and leaseholders for additional liability protection. He knows that trespassers can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Suggestions

It is recommended to paint the post on the top two inches.  It is advisable to place the posts or painted trees less than thirty-six feet apart.

Elsewhere

As of this post, twenty-two states have purple paint laws. Walmart, among others, sells the paint in gallon sizes, perfect for homeowners.

Therefore, as you take into account your property, especially with hunting seasons approaching, you might want to consider using purple paint.

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