Here's why you need to run if you see purple paint across New York State or the Hudson Valley.

Get our free mobile app

Do you know what it means if you came across purple paint on a tree, fence, piece of wood, or building in the Hudson Valley, or across New York State?

While it's not yet an official rule in New York purple paint is quickly becoming a "No Trespassing" sign across the United States.

Pennsylvania Game Commission
Pennsylvania Game Commission
loading...

Over 15 states currently have a purple paint law which carries the same legal significance as "No Trespassing" signs in those states.

The law helps landowners from having to replace printed scenes that are often stolen or damaged, Snopes reports.

WISH-TV/Yutube
WISH-TV/Yutube
loading...

During the 2017-2018 Legislative Session New York Senator James L. Seward (R, 51st Senate District) introduced a purple paint law in New York.

Seward states the following in his bill:

This bill would allow property owners to place purple paint markings
on trees as an alternative to the current method of defining one's
property through posted signs. The reasoning behind the existing law's
provisions is rational, as most people would initially assume that the
best way of conveying any sort of message is through the posting of a
sign. However, as time has passed, it is clear to see that this
conventional method comes with some faults, which this legislation
seeks to amend. The prime defect of this technique of delineating
property lines is a sign's ability to be tampered with and/or removed
completely. Trespassers can easily vandalize these posted signs in a
way which would free them of any accountability for unlawfully laying
foot on another's property, most commonly in instances of hunting.
Aside from the physical and timely demands of maintaining these signs, one must also consider the economic demands. The constant repair
and/or reinstallation of these signs and fences adds an extra, and
burdensome, expense to property owners. Under this bill, this
shortcoming of the standard posted sign is ultimately eliminated, or
at the very least, dramatically lessens the likelihood of such
obstruction occurring.

Seward explains the color purple was chosen because it stands out in a natural setting, isn't used in the forestry industry and is a hue that people who are colorblind can recognize.

WISH-TV/Yutube
WISH-TV/Yutube
loading...

The bill died in the assembly in January 2018.

Pennsylvania Game Commission
Pennsylvania Game Commission
loading...

A purple paint law went into effect in neighboring Pennsylvania in 2020.

WISH-TV/Yutube
WISH-TV/Yutube
loading...

The following 15 states currently have a purple paint law.

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • Florida
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Maine
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • North Carolina
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas

20 Worst Places to Live in New York State

A list highlights the worst places a New York resident can call home. A number of places in the Hudson Valley made the list, including one that was ranked the worst place to live.

The 26 Most Dangerous Counties in New York State

15 New York Towns Among Safest in America

Top 5 Best Places to Live in New York

While no place in the Hudson Valley made the list, the region has received a ton of praise recently.

Hudson Valley Towns Honored

26 Highest Paying Jobs in New York State

It's getting harder and harder to make ends meet living in New York State. So we researched the 26 highest paying jobs in the state. Hudson Valley Post analyzed the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to craft our list.

Election Results: New York Voters Approve, Deny Major Changes

Hudson Valley Says Goodbye To Over 80 Businesses

Nearly 70 Children Have Recently Gone Missing From New York State

Counties in New York With Most Vehicle vs. Animal Crashes

9 New Fast Food Restaurants Coming to Route 9

It's a fast-food invasion. There are nine new fast-food restaurants slated to open up soon on Route 9 in Dutchess County. Are you ready to hit the drive-thru?

Over 30 Red Flags For Anyone Who Claims To Live in Hudson Valley, NY

Hudson Valley Welcomes Nearly 70 New Eateries

We've reported on many restaurant closings, now it's time to highlight nearly 70 businesses that have recently opened in the Hudson Valley.

5 New York Schools Districts Ranked in Top 10 in America

New York Counties With Highest, Lowest COVID Vaccine Rates

'Hudson Valley's Premier Restaurant, Bar' Opening Newburgh Waterfront Location

A very popular and award-winning Hudson Valley restaurant and bar is opening a new waterfront location. We got a sneak peek of the menu and location.

All-Time COVID Cases Per County in New York

Help Needed Finding The 39 Most Wanted in New York

Air-Breathing Fish That Eats Animals Found in Hudson Valley, New York

An invasive fish from Asia that can live on land for days and uses its sharp teeth to eat animals has been spotted in the Hudson Valley and other parts of New York State.  

More From WIBX 950