Watch Out, 100 Foot Rule Can Cause You Big Trouble in Illinois

100 feet doesn't sound like that much distance, but in Illinois, it can be the difference between you and big trouble with law enforcement. We're approaching the season when remembering this and following the rules will be more important than ever.

If you're not familiar with what people refer to as the 100 foot rule, it's defined by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. It was a law born with Senate Bill 1914, which became Public Act 97-0477, on August 22, 2011 and has now been enforced for years. It directly affects property owners and those who approach it.

The rule involves how property owners mark property. Instead of being required to post signs, purple paint can now also be used and here are the requirements from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources:

"A vertical line of at least 8 inches in length. The bottom of the mark shall be between 3 and 5 feet high. Each mark shall be no more than 100 feet from another such mark and be readily visible to any person approaching the property."

As Fall approaches, many will head to the outdoors for hiking and in a couple months, hunting in Illinois. Every outdoorsman is taught to watch for signs and/or purple paint so they know when they're approaching private property. That's why the 100 foot rule is important for all to follow so no one ends up in unexpected and unintended trouble. 100 feet can be the difference between legal and not.