How to Get People to Obey a Stop Sign on Private Property

Solicitors may be unwelcome guests on your property.

A stop sign that is located on private property is basically a no trespassing sign. The purpose of this type of sign is to keep unwanted people and groups off of your property. However, you may have found that the stop sign you put up is not being properly obeyed. There can be a variety of reasons why this is occurring, and a small fix might just do the trick. Just be sure that you are following your local laws for putting up no trespassing signs.

Instructions

1. Get a brighter sign. The sign you have chosen to stop unwanted visitors might be difficult to see, especially from a distance. Use a sign that is a bright color with contracting lettering.

2. Change the words of the sign. If your sign only says "Stop," then the meaning can be up for interpretation. Get a sign that explains what you want: people off your property. For example, the sign could say "Stop: No Trespassing Zone" or "Stop! No Trespassing Beyond This Point." Adding a simple phrase will help get your point across.

3. Hang the sign where it can clearly be seen when the person is still off your property. If the sign cannot be read until someone is on your property, then you have already defeated the purpose of the sign.

4. Add a few signs. If you really want to keep unwanted people off your property, add a few more signs, so no matter which way someone is coming from, they will know not to enter your private property.

References

• "Mother Earth News" magazine: Keep Out! The Basics of Trespassing Laws: Troy Griepentrog: April 2008