INDIANA – The “Purple Paint” law, enacted on July 1, 2018, gives Indiana landowners a novel way to mark their property boundaries and deter trespassers without needing costly signs or fences. Under this legislation, property owners can deny entry to their land by simply applying purple markings on trees or posts around their property.
Authored by Rep. Dave Wolkins, House Bill 1233 was designed to streamline the process of marking private property. Wolkins stated, “Property owners will no longer have to spend money on signs that can fade or be removed, or on building and maintaining fences. This law provides a clear, cost-effective solution.”
The law outlines specific guidelines for how the purple marks must be displayed. According to HB1233, each mark must be easily visible to anyone approaching the property. The guidelines specify that:
- On Trees: The purple mark must be a vertical line at least 8 inches long, with its bottom positioned between 3 and 5 feet off the ground. Additionally, no more than 100 feet should be between any two marked trees.
- On Posts: The mark must cover at least the top 2 inches of the post, with the bottom of the mark between 3 feet and 5 feet 6 inches from the ground.
This initiative has been approved by many landowners, who appreciate the ease and clarity it brings to property marking. By using purple paint, they can effectively communicate their property boundaries without the ongoing maintenance issues associated with traditional signage or fencing.
As the law continues to gain attention, many are curious to see how it will impact property rights and trespassing issues across the state. The purple paint law symbolizes property owners’ rights and fosters a greater awareness of respecting private land in Indiana.
