The law states that
it is illegal to use the mailbox for purposes other than deliveries from the Post Office
. If you place a note or even a flyer inside someone’s mailbox, you could be fined or reported then fined. … The important takeaway is to never put a note inside a mailbox – unless it has a postage stamp on it.
What is the penalty for putting a note in someone’s mailbox?
Because it is against Federal law to put anything in a mailbox, “on which no postage has been paid,” and if caught doing so a person could be
fined up to $5,000 and an organization $10,000
.
Is it illegal to put things in a mailbox?
The only people who should put things in or take something out of someone’s mailbox are the mailbox owner(s) and postal employees.
It is illegal to put anything other than mail in a mailbox
. Therefore, it is illegal for a non-postal employee to place something in someone’s mailbox.
Can you leave a letter in mailbox?
To send your letter or postcard: Leave it in your mailbox
for carrier pickup
. Drop it off in a blue collection box. Take it to a Post Office
TM
lobby drop.
Is it a federal offense to touch someone’s mailbox?
Mailboxes are protected by federal law, and
crimes against them and the mail they contain are considered a federal offense
. Violators can be fined up to $250,000 or imprisoned for up to three years for each act of vandalism. … Mailbox vandalism affects all of us.
Do you need permission to move your mailbox?
Postal Service Rules
The Postal Service permits moving a mailbox
, but it must be placed in a location that is readily accessible by a mail carrier. For example, roadside mailboxes must in a location where mail carriers can place mail from their delivery vehicles.
What is the mailbox law?
Mailboxes
must be placed 6 to 8 inches away from the curb
; the incoming mail slot or door must be 41 to 45 inches from the ground. Curbside mailbox posts should be buried less than 24 inches deep and made from wood no larger than 4 inches high by 4 inches wide.
Can I put fliers in mailboxes?
According to postal regulations,
no flyer or anything else mailable can be be put in a mailbox without proper postage
.
What happens if my mailbox doesn’t have a flag?
THIS IS A
LIMITED SERVICE MAILBOX
(WITHOUT FLAG) AND IT IS ONLY INTENDED FOR CUSTOMERS WHO DO NOT WANT POSTAL CARRIERS TO PICK-UP THEIR OUT-GOING MAIL. UNLESS POSTAL CARRIERS HAVE MAIL TO DELIVER THEY WILL NOT STOP AT LIMITED SERVICE MAILBOXES.
Can you open someone elses mailbox?
Yes
. It is a federal crime to open or destroy mail that is not intended for you. The law provides that you can not “destroy, hide, open, or embezzle” mail that is not addressed to you. If you intentionally open or destroy someone else’s mail, you are committing obstruction of correspondence, which is a felony.
Are you liable if someone hits your mailbox?
By law, if you’re involved in a collision (and, yes, hitting a mailbox with a vehicle is a collision), and you leave the scene,
you may be prosecuted for “hit and run
.” If the collision injures someone and you flee, that’s a felony. … The U.S. Postal Service says the mailbox at the curb belongs to the resident.
What do you do if someone goes in your mailbox?
If you’re not sure what to do with mail that isn’t yours, it’s probably easier than you think to get rid of it legally. All you need to do is
write “RETURN TO SENDER” on the front of the envelope and put it back in your mailbox
. Your postal worker will take care of it for you from there.
What are the rules for mailbox placement?
Position your mailbox 41′′ to 45′′ from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry.
Place your mailbox 6′′ to 8′′ back from the curb
. If you do not have a raised curb, contact your local postmaster for guidance.
Can you move your mailbox location?
The USPS does not legislate the relocation of residential mailboxes nationally. Rather, they allow
local postmasters
to decide what is best for their geographic location and mail service. Make a quick trip or call to your local post office first. … USPS mailbox location rules are strict.
What side of the driveway does a mailbox go on?
Mailbox Height and Placement Rules
Your mailbox must face outward and be placed on the
right-hand side of the road
.
Is my mailbox owned by USPS?
The U.S. Postal Service owns it
. That’s right, folks. You may have paid for the mailbox.
