trespassing private property attorney in raleigh, north carolina

North Carolina property owners have the right to keep their land free from trespassers, and clear signage is one of the most effective ways to do so under state law. Whether you have a small yard in the suburbs or 200 acres in the country, you’re entitled to protect your property and limit liability when someone enters without permission. From people cutting across your lawn to fishers using a private pond, these situations can expose you to unnecessary risk.

If you’re wondering how effective posting signs against trespassing in North Carolina can be, or what wording or placement is required, the Raleigh criminal law attorneys at Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas, LLP explain how “No Trespassing” and “Private Property” signs can protect your land and support your rights as a property owner.

Defining Trespassing in North Carolina

Trespassing charges are typically misdemeanors, but consequences can extend beyond fines, including impacts on background checks and property rights in certain situations. In North Carolina, there are two levels of trespassing, first-degree and second-degree, defined by N.C.G.S. 14-159.

  • First-Degree Trespassing: Entering or remaining on enclosed or secured property (such as a locked building or fenced area) without permission.
  • Second-Degree Trespassing: Entering or remaining on property after being told to leave by the owner, or when signs are posted giving notice not to enter.

It’s this second type that applies to property signage and whether a “No Trespassing” sign offers legal protection.

For the express purpose of keeping people off your property, there really aren’t concrete rules in place. There’s no specific language you must use on a sign. In fact, the law only specifies that a sign “that is posted in a manner reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders with notice not to enter the premises” is sufficient. Common examples include:

lawyer in raleigh nc for trespassing charges
  • No trespassing
  • Private property
  • Posted: Private property
  • Property is protected by video surveillance
  • No trespassing or loitering
  • Trespassers will be prosecuted

However, property owners are required to give sufficient notice, meaning the sign must be placed in a visible and obvious location. This can include your fence around your home, hung on a tree in your front yard, nailed to a post in your front yard, or placed on your front porch railing. The key is that it must be visible from the road, including making sure the lettering is plain and cleanly visible.

Signs to Prevent Hunting and Fishing on Your Land

For hunting and fishing, North Carolina General Statute 14-159.7 provides detailed posting requirements. Signs must:

  • Measure at least 120 square inches
  • Be posted no more than 200 yards apart
  • Include at least one sign per side and one per corner of the property

Alternatively, landowners may use purple paint markings instead of physical signs. Each mark must:

  • Be a vertical line at least 8 inches long
  • Sit 3-5 feet above ground level
  • Be spaced no more than 100 yards apart and clearly visible

This is especially important during hunting seasons, where clear posting helps avoid disputes around land use and baiting rules on adjacent property.

These markings carry the same legal weight as a “No Hunting” sign and help reduce the need to replace damaged signs.

Keeping Children Off Property

Keeping children off your property is more complex. North Carolina law recognizes the “attractive nuisance” doctrine, which means property owners may be liable if a child is injured on something that drew their attention, like a pond, machinery, or construction materials.

To reduce liability risk:

  • Post clear “Private Property” or “Danger – Keep Out” signs near those areas.
  • Remove or secure hazards like water features, woodpiles, or equipment.
  • Add and maintain fencing around potential dangers.

Quick Reference: NC Signage Requirements

PurposeLegal RequirementsExamples / Tips
General No TrespassingSign must be visible and placed where likely to be noticed; no set size requirement.“No Trespassing,” “Private Property,” or “Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted.”
Hunting RestrictionsSigns at least 120 sq. in., no more than 200 yards apart, with one on each side and corner.“No Hunting,” “Posted: Private Land,” or purple paint marks every 100 yards.
Fishing RestrictionsSigns every 200 yards along streams or shorelines.“No Fishing,” “Private Pond,” or purple paint markings.
Preventing LiabilityMaintain fences and post visible signs near potential hazards or attractive nuisances.“Private Property – Keep Out” or “Danger – Restricted Area.”

Contact Us to Learn More About Trespassing Laws in North Carolina

If you are concerned about unauthorized or unwelcome people being on your property, but you’re not sure the best way to legally stop them, we can help. Also, if someone has trespassed and has caused damage, you may have a civil case on your hands. To learn more, reach out to us today at 919-615-2473 or fill out the form below to get started.

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