If You See Purple Paint in Arizona You Need to Run Away Immediately

If you're a hunter or hiker or enjoy exploring the back roads in Arizona, here's some important information to toss into your knapsack of knowledge.

Hiking and hunting are avid hobbies for many of us, but there are some things you should know before you strap on those hiking shoes and venture out, and it could keep you and your friends out of legal hot water.

With ranches and farms all over the state, some covering a vast area, it's good to know where hikers and hunters shouldn't go ahead of time.

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Not every landowner will post a sign telling you to "keep out," so you need to know that this subtle sign means the same thing—and it's the law in Arizona.

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DO NOT ENTER - In Purple Paint

Several states have a Purple Paint Law.

In Arizona, anyone caught trespassing beyond an area marked with purple paint is classed as a third-degree felony.

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In some cases, you'll see an actual fence painted purple. Keep a sharp eye out because this isn't always the case. You may find purple spray painted on a tree, and you should know, this conveys the same meaning as a posted sign.

In all cases, PURPLE PAINT carries the same meaning as a posted "no trespassing" sign.

Using Purple Paint to Create a No-Trespassing Barrier in Arizona

In Arizona, to mark your property as no-trespassing, the purple paint must be in vertical lines and at least eight inches long and an inch wide.

The purple marks also need to be placed at least three feet from the ground in a visible location where anyone approaching the property can spot it.

Also, the marks must be repeated about every 100 feet apart on forest land or 1,000 feet apart on any other property.

What to Do If You See Purple Paint

If you're hunting and see purple paint, this is an absolute "no-go zone." If you spot it on trees or fence posts anywhere in Arizona, turn around and return the way you came. If you ignore these signs, you could be in quite a bit of trouble.

According to UpgradedHome.com, "The laws in Arizona are a bit more complicated. Trespass comes in three flavors, first degree, second degree, and third degree.

 

In most cases involving trespass beyond a fence line marked with purple paint are classed as third-degree felonies and are subject to six months in jail and fines of up to $2.500."

This video by YouTube User RETipster explains the Purple Paint law pretty well: