Table of Contents
Advantages
No Trespassing Signs

Indiana residents now have a choice for how to best protect their property from trespassers. They can use fences, signs, and, now, purple paint to warn the public to stay off of property. This is a new way residents can communicate the “no trespassing” message. With the law in place, residents have an alternative way to establish a boundary with outsiders.

As of last Sunday, July 1st, 2018, House Bill 1233, also known as the Purple Paint Law, was enacted in Indiana. The law allows residents to put lines of purple spray paint on trees or posts in front of their homes in place of no trespassing signs.

Advantages the Purple Paint Law

Proponents of the law believe using purple paint offers convenience, clear visibility, and a way to prohibit intruders without using signs that may get shot, torn down or damaged from weather. The law provides a solution for residents with “no trespassing” signs that get consistently damaged or removed. Spraying paint can be cheaper than replacing signs over and over.

“Instead of putting up a sign, which can get ripped down, shot or destroyed in some other way, they think that by painting a purple line everybody will understand,” Daviess County Chief Deputy Gary Allison said, according to Kristi Sander of the Washington Times Herald. “There are a few other states that do this,” Allison said. “I think we are the sixth state that has enacted it.”

In some states, like Texas, the purple paint indication is used to specifically prohibit hunting. The message it communicates is designed to protect people, animals and property on the land.

The demarcation must be three to five feet high and eight inches long, according to the Wane.com interview of State Representative Dave Wolkins. “This is an efficient, simple way for landowners to keep trespassers out,” said Wolkins. “It will also help minimize a property owner’s liability, prevent accidental trespassing and make it easier to prosecute trespassers. Because the paint cannot be easily removed, it can be effective for several years.”

What Happens to “No Trespassing” Signs?

Homeowners with “no trespassing” signs will by not impacted by this law, as those signs are still considered valid. You can still purchase and post warning signs – both paint and signs can be used to keep trespassers away. Looking for tips to keep loitering under control on your commercial property? Read our no loitering blog here.

Posting signs provides an indisputable and recognizable message. Indiana residents may still prefer traditional signs which are versatile and can be positioned intentionally throughout property. Signs can be moved or placed in a visible location. Signs can be customized with a precise message tailored for your property. Also, some people prefer the aesthetic look of a warning sign versus painting their property.

However, lawmakers suggest the purple marking may be more noticeable and longer lasting. It can’t be removed or taken down. Choosing a sign versus purple paint may depend on the landscape of your property and the neighboring areas. If signs are continually damaged, paint is probably preferable. If you are in an area where people are not aware of the new law, having a legible sign may be a better precaution.

With the new law, families have more options for communicating with the public and protecting their homes. The Purple Paint Law gives Indiana residents another way to look out for the safety of their homes. However, the law may need to be in place for some time before the public becomes familiar with the message.

Navigating the World of Political Yard Signs

Table of Contents
Political Yard Signs
Issues Posting Signs
Is Removing Signs Legal?
What Should a Sign Say?
Designing Your Sign

The election landscape has transformed in recent years, thanks to tech-savvy campaigns and the wave of social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube, among others. Nonetheless, the election year tradition of displaying political yard signs continues to be a mainstay in neighborhoods across America. As part of an overall election strategy, political campaign signs are an invaluable means for getting the word out and rallying voters to the booths.

Especially in the increasingly crowded field of candidates running for President of the United States during the 2019-2020 presidential campaign season, name recognition is the name of the game! Presidential campaigns work tirelessly to make sure their candidates are known to the masses, and this grassroots practice of posting election season yard signs is a cost effective way to get the job done.

Getting Out the Vote!

Timing is everything. Generally, election signs should be displayed beginning early in a campaign cycle and, while every area will have local laws governing time limits for how long signs can remain posted, the general rule of thumb is that signs must be removed within seven to 10 days after an election.

Election Season Sign Posting Conundrums

Political signs are legal in most neighborhoods throughout the country, though there are widespread rules that state where, how, and when these campaign signs can be displayed. Neighborhood residents are free to post election signs in their yards, as long as the property owner gives permission to do so.

Displaying yard signs on rental property can be a bit more complicated, especially when owner and tenant have opposing political views, or when a renter doesn’t prefer to express political views at all.

Many factors play into this decision, including whether the leaseholder has exclusive use of the yard, there is a clause in the rental contract specifying the rights of the occupant and the owner, or whether political signs are prohibited. Before posting election signs, be aware of the regulations specified in your lease. Additionally, homeowners’ associations (HOA’s), which are considered private property, are allowed to set regulations regarding whether political signs are permitted in homeowners’ yards.

Public areas, on the other hand, require a bit more consideration and proper planning to avoid costly fines and having signs permanently removed. There are usually rules regulating – or barring – the posting of political signs. For example, restrictions may limit where signs can be placed, for example not near traffic lights or signs, easements along roadways, or between private properties. Be sure to check with your local jurisdiction for the latest guidelines.

Is it Illegal to Remove Election Signs?

Removing political signs not located on your property will likely be considered as trespassing, theft, or property damage (all of which are illegal), and may result in a misdemeanor charge against the individual(s) who remove them. If you think political signs should not be posted in a specific public venue, it is best to contact local authorities and leave the decision (and sign removal) to them.

Each state has specific laws on electioneering boundaries that require polling places to remain campaign free on Election Day and creates buffer zones where political signs and other campaigning practices are prohibited.

What Should my Campaign Sign Say?

When used strategically, yard signs can considerably impact a political campaign. Randomly posting election signs is an ineffective way to secure votes. To get the most out of every campaign sign, focus them in areas where your candidate has a legitimate chance of securing a win and post them on private property where they are most likely to be noticed by actual voters (rather than those who are not your constituents).

Often referred to as information shortcuts, election signs also serve as a persuasive means of voter motivation and can guide uninformed voters to connect a candidate’s name with family, friends, or neighbors whose opinions are valued.

Design your Political Sign

CustomSigns.com has an exceptional selection of political signs for every election campaign, designed to make your candidate’s name stand out! To best build name recognition and interest in your platform, less is more. The most effective political signs will include your name and the office you are running for and, often, your campaign slogan. This is not the space to promote a candidate’s policies or platforms. Be aware that many campaign finance laws mandate signs to include a disclaimer clearly identifying what person or organization has provided funding for the sign itself.

Made of corrugated plastic, our campaign signs come with H Stakes for easy installation, measure 18 x 24 inches, include your choice of single or double-sided printing, and optional lamination for extended outdoor use.

Our election signs come in a wide selection of styles to compliment any campaign, are economically priced starting under $10, and quantity discounts are available. Easily place your order online, connect with us, or call (877) 251-9444 for fast, efficient, personal service. Most orders ship next business day!

For additional information on effective signs, please see our related blogs:

• Do Signs Stop Solicitors? No Soliciting Explained
• Tips for Designing Visually Effective and Interesting Signs
• Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Those Plastic Yard Signs
  

Where are ADA Signs Required?

In order to keep your business in compliance with ADA standards, it is important to know in which rooms, and in which places to post braille signs. In 2012, the ADA latest 2010 rules were put into use, and if your business has been in operation for many years, your signage may not be up to date. (The 2010 standards were an update of the 1991 regulations.) Government regulations and documents are often difficult to understand or are open to interpretation. This blog will help clear up any confusion about where your ADA signs should be hanging.

Which Rooms are Required to Have ADA Signs?

Although it is good practice to provide ADA signage for every room, there are certain rooms that are required to have these signs. Any room or area that is designated for a specific use that will not change frequently, such as a restroom or vending area, is required to post ADA signs. It is important, and often vital, to help disabled or sightless patrons safely navigate your building.  Therefore, rooms that are permanent spaces for a specific use should be marked with ADA signs. Also, if the sign features a pictogram, there must be tactile lettering to accompany the imagery. Spaces that are required to have ADA signs include restrooms, vending areas, numbered rooms, floor numbers and any space that is used for a specific purpose that is not likely to change. Rooms that are open to interpretation, or used for different purposes, may include meeting rooms, classrooms and offices.

What is the ADA Compliant Height for Signage?

When considering where to hang ADA or braille signs, think of people who are sightless or who are navigating your building at the height of a wheelchair. The latest ADA regulations state that compliant signs must hang no lower than 48 inches above the floor, measured from the bottom of the lowest characters, and no higher than 60 inches, measured from the bottom of the highest characters, above the floor. This means that any person who is visually impaired or seated in a wheelchair must be able to touch and interpret the sign. During an emergency, a disabled patron should be able to safely find their way out of your building without confusion. Visually impaired and disabled people are aware of where ADA signs should be located, and if they are not hanging in the correct area or location, this could cause disorientation or even danger in the case of an emergency.

What is Required for ADA Parking Signs?

Your parking facility needs to clearly mark accessible parking spaces accordingly. ADA.gov hosts a PDF file that lists the number of accessible spaces required depending on the total number within your facility. Compliant parking signs require very little in comparison with indoor ADA signs. In order to meet ADA standards, your parking sign’s text needs to highly contrast against its background. If you have van accessible parking, the additional text “Van Accessible” must be included. When mounting your sign, it must be a minimum of 60 inches, measured from the bottom of the sign, from the floor or ground. This allows other drivers and facility security to more easily see that the space is reserved for the disabled.

Providing the right ADA braille signs is not only required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is an act of courtesy from business owner to business patron. These signs do not cost much, and they can significantly increase safety and ease of navigation within your building. They will also show that you support the needs of every customer or visitor. You can create an ADA sign to meet your needs at CustomSigns.com. We will ensure that your sign is created to meet the latest regulations. These common signs should be posted in any building that offers access to a restroom, whether it be a public building or a workplace.

For more information on signage standards, you can access the 2010 ADA standards here.

See our other ADA posts:
How to Design ADA Compliant Signs
ADA Signage All Buildings Must Have

Small business owners often put all they have into their companies. Whether these business owners wake up before dawn to prepare breakfast at a small diner or put late nights in at an up-and-coming pub, they devote themselves to serving their customers and employees and to offering the best products or services they can. Unfortunately, these same small shop and restaurant owners are often at highest risk of being sued or fined, not because their products aren’t up to par, but because they are often targeted in disability scams. Small businesses are often not aware of the latest ADA standards or are not equipped to meet the needs of disabled patrons. However, what’s worse is that these types of scammers don’t care about whether or not they have actually entered the many small businesses they sue, or that these businesses update their buildings to comply with ADA standards – they just want money.

Why it’s so Important 

A recent case in Jacksonville involved a “serial suer” who is said to have sued more than 40 small businesses throughout Northeast Florida. The law firm backing this serial suer, who is a double amputee, is suspected to have collected anywhere from $85,000 to $150,000 in the first few months of 2017 alone, all from small businesses that settled pre-suits with the firm. However, there are many small business owners who cannot afford to pay up, and end up suffering.

ADA Standards 

It is vital for businesses to stay in the know about ADA standards. ADA standards are issued by the DOJ and DOT, and are based on the board’s ADA Accessibility Guidelines. There are unique provisions for assembly areas, medical care facilities, lodging, educational buildings, detention and correctional institutions, social service centers and residential buildings. Small business owners should be aware of the DOJ standards that apply to the type of facility they operate from. The latest revised ADA standards were published in 2010, and became mandatory in 2012.

Accesses

Appropriate ADA signs should be used to mark wheelchair inaccessible areas as well as stairwells, elevators, restrooms and fire exits. ADA signs feature visible lettering along with raised braille lettering for visually impaired customers. CustomSigns.com has compliant ADA signs for each use.

Most customers who shop small and local businesses are interested in supporting their community and experiencing all that their city has to offer. However unfortunately, there are those who are out to collect money in any way they can. Every business should be knowledgeable about ADA guidelines, prepared to accommodate disabled customers, and ready to avoid costly lawsuits, whether they are legitimate or not.