§ 1008 Prescriptive Easement Prevention Signs

Civil Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law stops people from getting a legal right to use someone else's land just because they used it for a long time, as long as the owner puts a specific sign.

Key Takeaways

•A sign must be posted at each entrance or every 200 feet along the boundary.
•The sign must read the exact words required by law.
•Long‑term use does not create a legal easement if the sign is properly posted.

Example

A neighbor walks across your field for years to reach a lake.

Because you posted the required sign that says people can only pass with your permission and under your control, the neighbor cannot later claim they have a legal right to keep using that path.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 1008 Prescriptive Easement Prevention Signs

No use by any person or persons, no matter how long continued, of any land, shall ever ripen into an easement by prescription, if the owner of such property posts at each entrance to the property or at intervals of not more than 200 feet along the boundary a sign reading substantially as follows: “Right to pass by permission, and subject to control, of owner: Section 1008, Civil Code.” (Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 926.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

easement by prescription Right to pass by permission, and subject to control, of owner

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 1008.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References