See A Purple Painted Fence Post? Back Away Immediately

You may have come across a fence post painted purple here in Texas. As it turns out you're not just looking at an eccentric choice of paint.

According to an article from Taste of Home, that purple mark is a serious warning. This color coding, mostly found on trees or fence posts, is part of a law known in many states as the "purple paint law."

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LOOK: SEE A PURPLE-PAINTED FENCE POST? BACK AWAY IMMEDIATELY

In Texas, landowners use this color to warn trespassers that they're entering private land. This system started as a way for property owners to mark their boundaries without replacing signs that might wear down or be removed over time. Painting a fence post purple says the same message as a "No Trespassing" sign but lasts longer.

It's quite effective in wooded areas where signs can be hard to see. Purple was picked because it is one of the few colors that colorblind people can distinguish. Plus, purple stands out against the natural green and brown colors of the Texas landscape.

It’s important to respect these purple markers. Ignoring them can lead to legal trouble, ranging from a simple warning to prosecution for trespassing. For landowners, it's a way to mark their property lines and maintain their privacy without the ongoing hassle of posting signs.

So, the next time you see a splash of purple on a fence post in Texas, remember it’s more than just an artistic flare, it’s a signal that you should not proceed further without permission.