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Maryland Posting Laws: How to Post Land
Maryland handles posting differently from most states. Signs are to be placed where they reasonably may be seen, paint marks follow a color set by the Department of Natural Resources, and trespass can also apply once someone is told to leave. Here is what the statute text we read says and how to apply it.
What the law asks for on signs
The posting rule is Md. Code, Criminal Law 6-402(a). The statute text we read shows no owner-name requirement, no minimum letter height and no minimum sign size. Signs are to be placed where they reasonably may be seen, and the statute text we read gives no spacing figure for them.
Read the current statute for the exact wording. The UMD Extension guide on posting property is a useful second source if you want a plain explanation of how landowners mark land in this state.
Paint marks (not purple)
Maryland does not use purple. The paint color is set by regulation under Natural Resources 5-209(e), and COMAR 08.01.05.01 is described by secondary sources as bright blue oil-base paint. Confirm the color in the regulation before you paint.
Marks go on trees or posts at each road entrance and adjacent to public roadways, public waterways and other land adjoining the property. Per UMD Extension, a mark is at least 2 in wide and 8 in long, centered 3 to 6 ft from the ground or water surface. Spacing is not stated.
Telling someone directly
Under 6-403, trespass applies once the owner or an agent tells a person not to enter or to leave. No sign is needed for that. If someone is on your land, a clear spoken or written request to go counts.
Practical tips
Think of the waterfront: if your land touches a creek or river, put a sign where boaters and anglers will see it, and treat the shoreline like a road entrance. Look at your signs from the water as well as the road.
Our signs are custom printed on aluminum or plastic with a live preview, and the builder follows these sign rules. Keep dated photos with the date on each one, and check the statute yourself before you post.
Questions about posting land in Maryland
Is purple paint used to post land in Maryland?
No. Maryland's paint color is set by Department of Natural Resources regulation under Natural Resources 5-209(e). COMAR 08.01.05.01 is described by secondary sources as bright blue oil-base paint, so confirm it in the regulation itself.
How far apart do Maryland signs have to be?
The statute text we read shows no spacing figure for signs. They are to be placed where they reasonably may be seen. Paint marks go at each road entrance and adjacent to public roadways, public waterways and adjoining land, with spacing not stated.
Can someone trespass in Maryland with no sign up?
Yes. Under 6-403, trespass applies once the owner or an agent tells a person not to enter or to leave, and no sign is needed. A posted sign and a direct request can work together.
This guide explains the law in plain words; it is not legal advice. We read the statute text on 2026-10-24. Laws change: check the current text here or ask your county or state wildlife agency.