If You See Purple Paint In Iowa, You Should Leave Immediately

Spring is almost here. While you are enjoying that natural Iowa beauty you might see trees painted with purple paint. Do you know what that means? Many don't realize how important the markings are, and how important it is to keep an eye out for them.

While the purple paint isn't everywhere in Iowa some are using it today and many may also start using it. You are most likely to see this in the woods, near farms on other properties.

The Purple Paint Law

The shortest answer is that these markings can, and do represent a "no trespassing" sign. Iowa laws with this. According to Iowa.Gov,

Senate File 2101 makes changes to Iowa’s trespassing law. If a property owner living in an unincorporated area places purple paint around their property on trees or fence posts, entering the property is forbidden and constitutes trespassing, effective July 1, 2019. The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources must conduct an information campaign to educate the public and property owners about this change.

The Purple Paint Law gives landowners the option of marking trees or posts to prevent trespassing. One of the biggest benefits of the purple paint being used for no trespassing is that, unlike signs that can be removed or destroyed, the purple paint is pretty permanent.

Many sources have gone on to state that many are in support of the idea behind the purple paint markings.

The Senate Judiciary Committee, by an 8-3 margin, agreed to recognize the purple-paint designation as a recognized alternative, permanent method so that a trespasser cannot destroy the means of notice.

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Staying Safe

Reminder... Purple Paint Is The Same As A TressPassing Sign, And The Same Laws Apply!

While signs are still used by some in Iowa, it is important to remember that if you walk past purple paint then you are trespassing, it's important to stay aware of your surrounding as you're having fun this Spring here in Iowa!