At first glance, a purple fence might look like nothing more than a quirky design choice. You might assume the homeowner simply enjoyed the bold color, or that it was meant to stand out in a neighborhood filled with neutral tones. But in many parts of the United States, a purple fence—or even a purple streak of paint on a tree—isn’t about style at all. It’s about the law. Applied in the right way, that color carries the same legal authority as a “No Trespassing” sign. Ignoring it can result in a hefty fine, or even criminal charges.
