South Carolina § 16-11-600 - Notice of trespassing; purple paint.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-11-600 — Notice of trespassing; purple paint., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-11-600. Notice of trespassing; purple paint.
(A) Every entry upon the lands of another, after notice from the owner or tenant has been posted or given prohibiting such entry, is a misdemeanor and must be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment not more than thirty days.
(B) The owner or tenant of any lands may accomplish the posting of notice as follows:
(1) by posting a notice in four conspicuous places on the borders of such land prohibiting entry thereon; or
(2) by marking boundaries with a clearly visible purple-painted marking, consisting of one vertical line not less than eight inches in length and two inches in width, and the bottom of the mark not less than three nor more than six feet from the ground or normal water surface. These marks must be affixed to immovable, permanent objects that are not more than one hundred yards apart and readily visible to any person approaching the property.
(C) When any owner or tenant of any lands shall post a notice as provided in this section, a proof of the posting is deemed and taken as notice conclusive against the person making entry for the purpose of trespassing.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 16-386; 1952 Code SECTION 16-386; 1942 Code SECTION 1190; 1932 Code SECTION 1190; Cr. C. '22 SECTION 81; Cr. C. '12 SECTION 241; Cr. C. '02 SECTION 186; G. S. 2507; R. S. 176; 1866 (13) 406; 1883 (18) 43; 1898 (22) 811; 1954 (48) 1705; 2022 Act No. 219 (H.3291), SECTION 1, eff May 23, 2022.
Effect of Amendment
2022 Act No. 219, SECTION 1, rewrote the section, allowing for a different method of the posting of notice of trespassing involving clearly visible purple-painted boundaries.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 16-11-600
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-11-600 cover?
Section 16-11-600 ("Notice of trespassing; purple paint.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 16-11-600?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-11-600" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 16-11-600 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.