Pennsylvania's Purple Paint Law

In November 2019, Governor Tom Wolf signed House Bill 1772 which permits landowners to use purple paint rather than signs to alert others that trespassing is not permitted. 

The bill expands on the state law dealing with criminal trespass:

Under the law, a person is considered a “defiant trespasser” – which carries enhanced penalties – if he or she enters or remains in any place where notice against trespassing is given by actual communication, lawful posting or fencing. 

In Pennsylvania, defiant trespass is a third-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and $2,500 in fines. And if trespassing occurs while hunting, additional game-law violations – and additional penalties – also might apply.

The purple paint is now considered a notice of trespass in the State of Pennsylvania. 

The purple paint marking's must meet the requirements which are listed below:

Vertical purple lines must be at least 8 inches long and 1 inch wide. The bottom of the mark must not be less than 3 feet or more than 5 feet from the ground. And painted marks must not be more than 100 feet apart.

The new law does not apply to unarmed persons to go onto private property for the sole purpose of retrieving a hunting dog.

This new law should be considered by hunter's and fisherman while in the State of Pennsylvania.