What do the Purple Fence Posts Mean?

When we visited Texas, we noticed quite a few purple fence posts all over the state; on ranch and farm properties throughout Texas’ Hill Country. But then, we started noticing these purple fence markings in other states also. So the question arises, “what do those purple fence posts mean?”

What do the Purple Fence Posts in Mean?

Although purple is a cool artsy color, those purple fence posts are taken very seriously in Texas! And if you see one, it would be a good idea to know exactly what they mean and stand for. They certainly aren’t an art deco kind of thing. But exactly what do they mean?

No Trespassing!

This purple fence post establishment dates back to Arkansas’ law in 1989 with Texas and eight other states following suit eight years later in 1997 to alert people the division between private and public property.

Still in effect, the official law states that landowners had to put up a sign detailing what the purple paint signified in addition to painting the areas. Obviously, there was much confusion. Why paint if signs are required?

In this case, the law became sort of silly-stupid. The Texas legislature pretty much sympathized with landowners who were having to constantly replace their No Trespassing signs because of vandalism and theft.

Trespassers would use the posted signs for target practice or even steal them to decorate their own properties. Thus, because there was no trespassing sign anymore, people would take it upon themselves to help themselves to the farmer’s or rancher’s property. So, they came up with a colorful purple fence posts law.

The Law of the Land

The Texas Law is HB 793, under Texas Penal Code 30.05, Criminal Trespass, section 1, subsection D.

The law requires the following regarding the use of purple paint on fence posts, gates and even trees;

1. Markings must be:

a. Vertical

b. At least 8” long

c. At least 1” wide

d. Bottom of mark should be between 3-5 feet above ground

2. Markings can be no more than 100 feet apart in timberland

3. Markings can be no more than 1,000 feet apart on open land

4. Markings must be in a place visible by those approaching the property.

Just so you know, trespassing is a Class B misdemeanor in Texas, unless the intruder is carrying a firearm, which then, is a Class A misdemeanor. I’m sure other states replicate this law.

So, now we know the meaning behind the purple fence posts. Now, landowners and ranchers don’t have to continuously replace costly signs. It’s just a matter of slapping some purple paint on their fence posts and boom! Everyone can see them! Now, no more excuses.

Why PURPLE fence posts?

But ‘why purple’?? It certainly isn’t because they follow Prince or it’s an artsy statement. The color purple was chosen for a simple reason. Purple is visible to people who are colorblind.

Take Away

Also, this colorful warning is permanent. Purple attracts attention because it’s different and doesn’t typically blend into the natural surroundings. It certainly did attract ours enough to look it up due to curiosity.

So, in the event that you’re traversing backroads and byways of Texas (or any other state!) and you see those purple fence posts or property markings, as Bill Engvall would tell you, “here’s your sign!” STAY OUT!