Laws For Posting No Trespassing and Private Property Signs
Having private property comes with liability and the threat of trespassers, both of which are major concerns for both businesses and landowners. Whether it is your home, business, or backyard, you must be diligent about preventing intruders from getting on your property. Although signs cannot prevent people from trespassing on your property, they can be used as a warning, potentially deferring individuals from proceeding. Entering a clearly marked area against permission constitutes trespassing, and no trespassing signs are one of the most effective ways to secure your property.
A “no trespassing” sign may vary from state to state depending on trespassing laws in each state. However, they exist in all states in some form. While each state has its own definition, trespassing is defined as entering another’s property without permission.
Why post a “No Trespassing” sign?
Most states do not require unique signs, but some do, such as Arizona and Maine. Even if your state requires specific text, you can still order a no trespassing sign that includes a legal law or code to further discourage trespassers.
Often, there are no specific words that should be included, but best practices include making sure all of the words are visible, readable, and in a color that is readily readable. This includes the dates or timeframes if there is any information included about when you are open or closed.
42602 – No Trespassing Sign
35790 – Unauthorized Private Property Sign
40708 – No Trespassing – Violators Will Be Prosecuted Sign
How many “No Trespassing” signs are needed?
Depending on what it will be used for, and how much space you have on your property, the number of private property and no trespassing signs varies. Below are some of the general rules you should follow when posting these signs.
- Many states mandate a sign’s distance from highways, railroads, or waterways to ensure they can be easily seen and read. There is usually a distance of 30 feet to 100 feet between them.
- Post no trespassing signs along the public side of your property line for maximum visibility. This means at least 15 feet from a fence, between two properties, or 10 feet from water.
- Signs should be at least 8″ x 10″ and have contrasting colors that stand out against any background. It should include the name of the property and the owners’ contact information, including email address and phone number, if applicable.
Emedco offers a wide variety of custom no trespassing signs so you can customize the text and design to fit your needs.
No matter where you live, you want to make sure you take all the necessary steps to protect your property. For more information on how to utilize our products, please view our Solutions for Essential Businesses Digital Catalog.
*Legal Disclaimer: This information is not official legal advice, and any laws listed may be subject to change. For official legal counsel on property concerns, consult an attorney or another legal professional.