The Purple Paint Law: An Overview

The Purple Paint Law is a statute that authorizes landowners to mark their property boundaries with purple paint on trees or posts instead of traditional “No Trespassing” signs. This law is currently in effect in 22 states, but Michigan is not one of them.

Key Facts

  1. Purple Paint Law: The purple paint law is a law in certain states that allows landowners to mark their property boundaries using purple paint on trees or posts instead of traditional “No Trespassing” signs.
  2. Michigan’s Status: As of the latest information available, Michigan does not have a purple paint law.
  3. Previous Attempts: In 2005, a bill proposing the purple paint law was passed by the Senate but did not make it through the House of Representatives. In March 2021, a new bill (Senate Bill 106) was introduced and headed to the House of Representatives, but it faced opposition from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
  4. DNR’s Objections: The DNR listed several objections to the purple paint law, including the inability to see paint on trees in low light situations, variations of color blindness that may prevent people from seeing the color purple, potential for improper markings of property lines, and the belief that private property signs are more easily recognizable to the general public.

Michigan’s Purple Paint Law Status

As of the latest available information, Michigan does not have a purple paint law. In 2005, a bill proposing the law was passed by the Senate but failed to pass in the House of Representatives. In March 2021, a new bill (Senate Bill 106) was introduced and sent to the House of Representatives, but it faced opposition from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

DNR’s Objections to the Purple Paint Law

The DNR raised several objections to the purple paint law, including:

  • Inability to see paint on trees in low light conditions
  • Variations in color blindness that may hinder individuals from seeing the color purple
  • Potential for improper markings of property lines
  • Belief that traditional private property signs are more recognizable to the general public

Conclusion

While the Purple Paint Law is in effect in 22 states, Michigan does not currently have such a law. Previous attempts to pass the law in Michigan have been unsuccessful due to objections raised by the DNR.

References

FAQs

Does Michigan have the Purple Paint Law?

No, as of the latest available information, Michigan does not have a purple paint law.

What is the Purple Paint Law?

The Purple Paint Law is a statute that allows landowners to mark their property boundaries with purple paint on trees or posts instead of traditional “No Trespassing” signs.

Why doesn’t Michigan have the Purple Paint Law?

Previous attempts to pass the Purple Paint Law in Michigan have been unsuccessful due to objections raised by the DNR, including concerns about visibility, color blindness, and the potential for improper markings.

What are the objections to the Purple Paint Law?

Objections to the Purple Paint Law include the inability to see paint on trees in low light conditions, variations in color blindness that may hinder individuals from seeing the color purple, potential for improper markings of property lines, and the belief that traditional private property signs are more recognizable to the general public.

What are the benefits of the Purple Paint Law?

Benefits of the Purple Paint Law include the increased visibility of property boundaries, the reduced cost compared to traditional signs, and the potential to deter trespassers.

What states have the Purple Paint Law?

The Purple Paint Law is currently in effect in 22 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

What are the alternatives to the Purple Paint Law?

Alternatives to the Purple Paint Law include traditional “No Trespassing” signs, fences, and natural barriers such as hedges or trees.

What should you do if you see purple paint on trees or posts in Michigan?

If you see purple paint on trees or posts in Michigan, it is generally advisable to respect the property owner’s wishes and avoid trespassing.