Do you have private land that continues to have strangers walking, driving or even camping on it? Would you like to regain privacy? How can I ensure that my No Trespassing sign will satisfy legal requirements?
Why Post No Trespassing Signs?
Hunters, fishers, campers and children might not know that your property is private. Originally, all land was common and shared equally. That is where the concept of squatting is relevant.
You might live right next to a public park or nature reserve. These areas are public property and people can freely use their resources. You can use your No Trespassing signs to designate your private land boundaries.
Of course, you might not want squatters to claim your law. A No Trespassing sign can make this clear and prevent all sorts of troubles.
Where No Trespassing Signs Are Useful
No Trespassing signs can be used anywhere, but might be most useful in heavily-wooded areas. If there is hunting nearby, some hunter might try to chase after a deer and trespass on your property. If you don’t want hunters on your property, then a No Trespassing sign can be very beneficial for protecting your wildlife.
It can also be used for areas with abandoned mines. You can prevent individuals from hurting or injuring themselves.
Premise Liability
One of the liabilities of property ownership is that you are responsible for the safety of anyone on your land. A No Trespassing sign will confirm your private ownership. It is a safety pre-caution and can protect you against lawsuits.
By posting the sign, you are saying that you have warned trespassers and are not responsible for their safety on your land. Trespassers do not have your permission to be on your property.
Those who see a No Trespassing sign must leave immediately. They cannot remove anything from your property.
Post Near Entrance
Under the law, land that has been improved, fenced in and has a No Trespassing sign on it offers the highest level of protection for the owner against lawsuits. These create written and physical barriers to entry. No one can argue that they accidentally climbed over a fence that had a No Trespassing sign on it.
The No Trespassing sign must be posted conspicuously. It should be posted at eye level near your property entrance. After you post this sign, the individual takes full responsibility for his actions. Each state varies, but in Alaska your No Trespassing sign must be at least 144 square inches to be legal.
Legal Penalties for Trespassing
Individuals must get your written permission to be on your land. You can identify specific activities that are prohibited, such as hunting. In California, the No Trespassing fine might be $250 or so.
These are general guidelines for posting No Trespassing signs. Each jurisdiction has subtle variations. You can gain more control of your private land and protection against lawsuits by posting No Trespassing signs.
Jim Treebold is a North Carolina based writer. He lives by the mantra of “Learn 1 new thing each day”! Jim loves to write, read, pedal around on his electric bike and dream of big things. Drop him a line if you like his writing, he loves hearing from his readers!