A Guide to Trespassing Sign Rules in the U.S.
Written by UPrinting ● Updated on September 4, 2023When you’re a property owner, one of your main priorities is keeping your land safe and secure from intruders. To prevent or at least deter intruders from entering your property, it’s important to put up signs to get the message out as a cautionary notice to everyone outside the premises. It also pays to know about the different laws on trespassing as they vary per state. Not to mention that it can help you avoid any potential legal hurdles.
What is trespassing?
Trespassing is the act of being on certain property without the authorization of the owner. It’s also refusing to cooperate or leave the area despite being told several times. While some states could be more lenient about trespassing, for many, it is considered a crime. When committed, the penalties range from fines to jail time. In cases wherein there is actual damage to the property, the penalty can be higher.
Common State Rules About Trespassing
Go back to your sign’s “why.”
For most states, a trespasser is defined as a person who physically enters or stays on a property without authorization. Signages indicating that entry is not allowed should also be visible to passersby or placed on the land’s boundaries. While states such as Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming all have this general rule, some states are more specific when it comes to their trespassing laws.
Rules for Posting No Trespassing Signs
If you’re planning to create a “No Trespassing" sign, getting acquainted with a particular state’s law is something you might want to consider because you might have to incorporate it into your sign as a reference. Here are some examples of states with unique No Trespassing laws and their signage requirements:
Alaska
According to Alaska Statute 11.46.350, you can enter or stay on a property unless there is a trespassing notice that is either personally communicated by the owner or by their chosen representative.
The notice should be in English, legible, visible, and placed at all entry points of the property. The sign used should also be at least 144 inches and has specific text such as no trespassing, hunting, digging, etc.
Arkansas
Trespassing is considered a Class C misdemeanor in Arkansas, unless the incident involves a car, in which case it is considered a Class B misdemeanor. Trespassing is defined as entering or remaining on another person's property without the owner’s consent or even when a reasonably conspicuous notice is displayed.
The penalty depends on the severity of the offense.
Delaware
Based on the 11 Delaware Code § 821, a person is considered guilty of trespassing in Delaware if they enter an enclosed or a private property unlawfully – even if there’s no signage or verbal notice.
Florida
Florida has more specific details about trespassing. Aside from not unlawfully entering one’s house or land, one should also not unlawfully enter and remain in structures or conveyance. Conveyance refers to a stopped boat, aircraft, car, trailer, automobile, ship, etc.
Refusing to leave an establishment such as a restaurant, bar, or institution during its closed hours is also considered as trespassing. Removing or damaging a No Trespassing sign is counted as a crime.
Florida Statute 810.011 indicates that No Trespassing notices should be conveyed through fencing, posting, or cultivation. It also has the following requirements:
Georgia
In Georgia, trespassers are people who enter without the owner’s consent and intentionally damage property, in which the damage amounts to $500.
Likewise, entering land, railroad cars, aircraft, cars, or premise that belongs to another person in an unlawful manner is considered as trespassing. If the person is permitted to enter but eventually asked to leave – and the person refuses – then this is also considered trespassing.
Hawaii
In Hawaii Revised Statute § 708-814, trespassing is defined as when a “person knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in or upon premises.”
Landowners are required to install sign(s) that say, “Private Property –– No Trespassing”, with lettering no less than two inches in height. It should be visible along the boundary of the land and at all entry points to the property.
Idaho
Like other states, Idaho defines trespassing as a person entering or remaining on real estate property without permission or with the knowledge that their entry is unauthorized. The state also requires No Trespassing signs to be painted orange or fluorescent paint, displayed on every property corner or all boundaries to ensure maximum visibility.
Illinois
In Illinois, if proven guilty, trespassers can serve up to six months in jail. Trespassing is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, and offenders can be fined up to $500. This applies if the person still chooses to remain in premises even when asked to leave by the owner or occupant either verbally or through signage.
Indiana
Property owners have the right to order people out of their property or restrict any access to their premises. If this right is violated, the owner can file a trespassing lawsuit. If the person genuinely entered unknowingly or accidentally, no criminal offense will be charged.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, any person who wants to enter a structure, watercraft, or movable should have verbal or written consent from the owner. The state also passed several laws on piloting drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles over another’s property with the intention to film it.
Maine
According to Maine’s criminal code, one should be licensed or privileged to enter any barred structure or dwelling place. No Trespassing signages should also:
Maryland
The law in Maryland states that No Trespassing signs or paint marks must follow the regulations of the Department of Natural Resources. Trees at each road entrance to the property, as well as those adjacent to public spaces, must have paint marks applied to them.
Massachusetts
Trespassing in Massachusetts is defined as entering and remaining in or on someone's building, house, boat, wharf, pier, or enclosed/improved plot of land without the owner's permission.
Michigan
In Michigan, dumping garbage on another’s property makes one a trespasser. There must be at least one sign at each point of entry onto the property. The minimum letter height on posting signs is one inch, and each posting sign must be at least 50 square inches in size.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, posted "No Trespassing" signs must be at least 8.5 x 11 inches in size and placed prominently on the exterior of the building or on the property where the building is located. The sign must include a general trespass warning.
Mississippi
Mississippi follows the general law on trespassing except that it’s also considered trespassing if you don’t have permission or are not accompanied by the owner, lessee, or agent of the land. Signages are not required but suggested as legal recourse in case a trespassing incident occurs.
Missouri
According to Missouri’s Revised Statute § 569.140, it’s considered trespassing if you disregard a fenced or enclosed property, as well as purple markings on trees and verbal warnings to keep intruders away.
Montana
In Montana, you’re a trespasser if you don’t have any license, invitation or privilege to enter any vehicle, premises, or structure yet still choose to do so. The state also has the following requirements for posting notices:
Nebraska
The trespassing law in Nebraska states that one must have the license or privilege to enter any occupied structure. A person is considered a trespasser if the actor disregards any verbal or written communication, fences, enclosures, or warnings related to prohibiting intruders.
Nevada
Owners can indicate no-trespassing zones by painting a post an orange, fluorescent color at 200-foot intervals depending on the type of property.
New Hampshire
Notices about trespassing should be posted on durable signs with words describing the prohibited activity, such as "No Hunting or Trespassing," written in block letters with a height of no less than two inches and should indicate the landowner's or lessee's name and address. These signs should be installed at least 100 yards apart.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, it’s considered trespassing if you enter any premises without permission or written consent from the owner. While trespassing is considered a misdemeanor in the state, it could still result in one’s fishing or hunting license being withdrawn. The trespasser would then have to wait for three years to retrieve the license.
Notices in New Mexico must also include the following information:
North Dakota
North Dakota follows the same trespassing law as other states, but they also require signages, like the signs should get the attention of intruders and that the name of the person in charge of the premises should be written legibly.
Ohio
In Ohio, properties that have no trespassing postings should be easily seen by potential intruders. Fencing and enclosures should also be provided to show that access to the property is restricted.
Oklahoma
Aside from signs being placed in entry points where they could be noticed, Oklahoma requires signages to be posted in block letters and specifying prohibited activities in the text. Some examples are:
Oregon
All forms of trespassing in Oregon are counted as misdemeanors. Signs are also required to have the following:
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, the law has these requirements for their No Trespassing signage:
Tennessee
Signages in Tennessee must be printed legibly, contain specific prohibited activities, and should be posted not less than three feet off the ground.
Texas
The Texas Penal Code includes RV parks, agricultural lands, buildings, aircrafts, residential land, and vehicles as some of the properties that one can’t enter without consent from the owner. Its postings should also include:
West Virginia
West Virginia law indicates that signs should:
Wisconsin
According to Wisconsin law, signs should be:
According to Alaska Statute 11.46.350, you can enter or stay on a property unless there is a trespassing notice that is either personally communicated by the owner or by their chosen representative.
The notice should be in English, legible, visible, and placed at all entry points of the property. The sign used should also be at least 144 inches and has specific text such as no trespassing, hunting, digging, etc.
Arkansas
Trespassing is considered a Class C misdemeanor in Arkansas, unless the incident involves a car, in which case it is considered a Class B misdemeanor. Trespassing is defined as entering or remaining on another person's property without the owner’s consent or even when a reasonably conspicuous notice is displayed.
The penalty depends on the severity of the offense.
Delaware
Based on the 11 Delaware Code § 821, a person is considered guilty of trespassing in Delaware if they enter an enclosed or a private property unlawfully – even if there’s no signage or verbal notice.
Florida
Florida has more specific details about trespassing. Aside from not unlawfully entering one’s house or land, one should also not unlawfully enter and remain in structures or conveyance. Conveyance refers to a stopped boat, aircraft, car, trailer, automobile, ship, etc.
Refusing to leave an establishment such as a restaurant, bar, or institution during its closed hours is also considered as trespassing. Removing or damaging a No Trespassing sign is counted as a crime.
Florida Statute 810.011 indicates that No Trespassing notices should be conveyed through fencing, posting, or cultivation. It also has the following requirements:
- Letters should be at least 2 inches in height and in international orange color
- The sign should say “No Trespassing” with the name of the landowner
- It should be placed in an area that’s easy to notice and installed no more than 500 feet apart in agricultural land
- The bottom sign should not be over five feet off the ground and not less than three feet
Georgia
In Georgia, trespassers are people who enter without the owner’s consent and intentionally damage property, in which the damage amounts to $500.
Likewise, entering land, railroad cars, aircraft, cars, or premise that belongs to another person in an unlawful manner is considered as trespassing. If the person is permitted to enter but eventually asked to leave – and the person refuses – then this is also considered trespassing.
Hawaii
In Hawaii Revised Statute § 708-814, trespassing is defined as when a “person knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in or upon premises.”
Landowners are required to install sign(s) that say, “Private Property –– No Trespassing”, with lettering no less than two inches in height. It should be visible along the boundary of the land and at all entry points to the property.
Idaho
Like other states, Idaho defines trespassing as a person entering or remaining on real estate property without permission or with the knowledge that their entry is unauthorized. The state also requires No Trespassing signs to be painted orange or fluorescent paint, displayed on every property corner or all boundaries to ensure maximum visibility.
Illinois
In Illinois, if proven guilty, trespassers can serve up to six months in jail. Trespassing is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, and offenders can be fined up to $500. This applies if the person still chooses to remain in premises even when asked to leave by the owner or occupant either verbally or through signage.
Indiana
Property owners have the right to order people out of their property or restrict any access to their premises. If this right is violated, the owner can file a trespassing lawsuit. If the person genuinely entered unknowingly or accidentally, no criminal offense will be charged.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, any person who wants to enter a structure, watercraft, or movable should have verbal or written consent from the owner. The state also passed several laws on piloting drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles over another’s property with the intention to film it.
Maine
According to Maine’s criminal code, one should be licensed or privileged to enter any barred structure or dwelling place. No Trespassing signages should also:
- Mark the property up to intervals of 100 feet in every entry point
- State that access to the property is not allowed without permission from the property owner or representative
- Paint markings must consist of a vertical line that is at least one inch wide, over five feet off the ground, and at least three feet from the ground
Maryland
The law in Maryland states that No Trespassing signs or paint marks must follow the regulations of the Department of Natural Resources. Trees at each road entrance to the property, as well as those adjacent to public spaces, must have paint marks applied to them.
Massachusetts
Trespassing in Massachusetts is defined as entering and remaining in or on someone's building, house, boat, wharf, pier, or enclosed/improved plot of land without the owner's permission.
Michigan
In Michigan, dumping garbage on another’s property makes one a trespasser. There must be at least one sign at each point of entry onto the property. The minimum letter height on posting signs is one inch, and each posting sign must be at least 50 square inches in size.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, posted "No Trespassing" signs must be at least 8.5 x 11 inches in size and placed prominently on the exterior of the building or on the property where the building is located. The sign must include a general trespass warning.
Mississippi
Mississippi follows the general law on trespassing except that it’s also considered trespassing if you don’t have permission or are not accompanied by the owner, lessee, or agent of the land. Signages are not required but suggested as legal recourse in case a trespassing incident occurs.
Missouri
According to Missouri’s Revised Statute § 569.140, it’s considered trespassing if you disregard a fenced or enclosed property, as well as purple markings on trees and verbal warnings to keep intruders away.
Montana
In Montana, you’re a trespasser if you don’t have any license, invitation or privilege to enter any vehicle, premises, or structure yet still choose to do so. The state also has the following requirements for posting notices:
- Place at least 50 square inches of fluorescent orange paint on a post, structure, or natural object.
- Appear on outer gates and normal access points
Nebraska
The trespassing law in Nebraska states that one must have the license or privilege to enter any occupied structure. A person is considered a trespasser if the actor disregards any verbal or written communication, fences, enclosures, or warnings related to prohibiting intruders.
Nevada
Owners can indicate no-trespassing zones by painting a post an orange, fluorescent color at 200-foot intervals depending on the type of property.
New Hampshire
Notices about trespassing should be posted on durable signs with words describing the prohibited activity, such as "No Hunting or Trespassing," written in block letters with a height of no less than two inches and should indicate the landowner's or lessee's name and address. These signs should be installed at least 100 yards apart.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, it’s considered trespassing if you enter any premises without permission or written consent from the owner. While trespassing is considered a misdemeanor in the state, it could still result in one’s fishing or hunting license being withdrawn. The trespasser would then have to wait for three years to retrieve the license.
Notices in New Mexico must also include the following information:
- Legibly printed in English
- Include the name and address of the person in charge of the property.
- Placed at each road or obvious access point to the property
- State-specific restrictions, such as "No Trespassing," "No Hunting," etc.
- Size of at least 144 square inches
North Dakota
North Dakota follows the same trespassing law as other states, but they also require signages, like the signs should get the attention of intruders and that the name of the person in charge of the premises should be written legibly.
Ohio
In Ohio, properties that have no trespassing postings should be easily seen by potential intruders. Fencing and enclosures should also be provided to show that access to the property is restricted.
Oklahoma
Aside from signs being placed in entry points where they could be noticed, Oklahoma requires signages to be posted in block letters and specifying prohibited activities in the text. Some examples are:
- NO TRESPASSING
- KEEP OUT
- POSTED – KEEP OUT
- PROPERTY RESTRICTED
Oregon
All forms of trespassing in Oregon are counted as misdemeanors. Signs are also required to have the following:
- No less than eight inches in height or eleven inches in width
- Should have the words "Closed to Entry" or words that are related to it in one-inch-high letters
- Show the landowner's or agent's name, business address, and phone number
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, the law has these requirements for their No Trespassing signage:
-
Viewed in a place that is visible to passersby
Printed legibly
Attached using cloth, metal, or paperboard
Tennessee
Signages in Tennessee must be printed legibly, contain specific prohibited activities, and should be posted not less than three feet off the ground.
Texas
The Texas Penal Code includes RV parks, agricultural lands, buildings, aircrafts, residential land, and vehicles as some of the properties that one can’t enter without consent from the owner. Its postings should also include:
- Indicate that entry is prohibited
- Be displayed at all entry points
- Grab the intruders' attention
West Virginia
West Virginia law indicates that signs should:
- Be displayed at all roads and entrances
- Should be easily noticed by passersby or potential intruders
Wisconsin
According to Wisconsin law, signs should be:
- Not less than five by seven inches in size
- Must indicate the name of the owner of the property
Choosing the Right Signs
Whether you’re a property owner, lessee, or a representative of a landowner, you need to make sure that your property is protected against potential intruders. Since each state has different requirements regarding No Trespassing signs, choose a printing company that can customize signages according to the state’s laws.At UPrinting, we provide premium quality signages. Our website features yard signs, property signs, and aluminum signs that you can use to mark the boundaries of your land. You can also use our online design tool to create or upload your own design.