Beware If You See Purple On A Fence Or Tree In South Or North Carolina

I live on a 109-acre horse farm in York County, South Carolina.  I do not own but a few of those acres, don't get me wrong, but the surrounding property is quite large and owned by a friend of mine so I have access to the whole thing.  Over the years I have lived there I have really grown fond of privacy.

One day, my neighbor and I ran across a couple of guys on four-wheelers on the property, and let's just say that day did not go as they had planned.  It was time for some very clear no trespassing signs.  There are more ways to let trespassers know the property lines.  You could go with the traditional "no trespassing" sign or you could just paint the border fence or tree with a large swath of purple.

If you see the color purple on a fence post, stay away.  That is the legal equivalent of a no trespassing sign in both North and South Carolina. Here are all the details right here.  There are 16 states that have the purple paint law.  And when you see it, trust me you are not welcome unless you are invited, guests.  This protects not only the landowner but also the trespasser.  Sometimes the land might be used for hunting and you don't want to be on the business end of someone's hunting rifle by mistake.