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Texas Posting Laws: How to Post Land
Texas keeps its posting rule flexible. A sign only has to be placed where it is reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders and say that entry is forbidden. Purple paint is an equal alternative with its own measurements. Here is how the two methods work for a rancher, farmer or rural homeowner.
What the law asks for on signs
Under Penal Code 30.05(b)(2)(C), signs must be reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders and indicate that entry is forbidden. The statute text we read shows no owner-name rule, no letter height, no minimum sign size and no spacing number for signs. Our builder follows these sign rules; read the current statute for yourself.
Purple paint marks
Paint under (b)(2)(D) is an equal alternative to signs. Marks go on trees or posts as vertical lines not less than 8 in long and not less than 1 in wide, with the bottom 3 to 5 ft from the ground. Each must be readily visible to any person approaching.
Spacing depends on the land. Marks may be no more than 100 ft apart on forest land, or 1,000 ft apart on other land. That wide gap on open ground is why many owners use paint along long fence lines.
Hunting and the source text
The statute text we read says to check the Parks and Wildlife Code for hunting-specific permission rules, which were not researched here. Also note that we read the Penal Code text from a public mirror site, because the official page needs JavaScript to display. Compare it with the official statute before you act.
Practical tips
Big ranch gates see the most traffic, so give them the largest, clearest signs. On shady creek bottoms, paint can vanish under moss and bark growth. Keep dated photos of every posted entrance, and replace anything the sun has turned pale.
Questions about posting land in Texas
What does a Texas no trespassing sign have to say?
According to the statute, signs must be reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders and indicate that entry is forbidden. No wording, sign size, letter height or owner-name rule appears in the statute text we read. Keep the message short and plain.
How far apart can purple paint marks be in Texas?
The statute text we read says no more than 100 ft apart on forest land, or 1,000 ft apart on other land. Each mark is a vertical line at least 8 in long and 1 in wide, with the bottom 3 to 5 ft from the ground.
Is purple paint as good as a sign in Texas?
The statute text we read describes paint under 30.05(b)(2)(D) as an equal alternative to signs under (b)(2)(C). Either method can give notice, as long as the marks meet the size, height, visibility and spacing figures in the statute.
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.