By LawInspectsSee, it is not always illegal to park in front of a mailbox, but yes, you may want to check back on the local laws just to be sure about that. If you’re still a bit confused about it all, let’s break it down in the simplest words possible.
What USPS Has to Say About It
The USPS would probably not call it a law, but it definitely is a rule maintained by the mail company. Mail carriers must have absolutely clear access to your mailbox. They should drive up, drop your mail off, and head away without stepping outside the vehicle.
If a vehicle blocks your mailbox, the carrier may avoid delivering at your address. One or two times, the carrier might get out and deliver to you anyway. But if it is often, the USPS can initiate a mail stoppage at that address until the blockage is removed.
That means no letters, no bills, no packages, NO MAIL, until your mailbox is accessible again.
Could It Be Considered a Crime?
From a purely legal perspective, yes. A federal statute makes it a crime to intentionally obstruct or delay the delivery of mail. Although this statute is aimed mainly at much more serious interference with mail delivery, in some extreme cases, continued blocking of a mailbox might be considered one.
Rarely will people be arrested the first time! Repeatedly doing so after warnings could cause the person to undergo real consequences, especially if USPS or law enforcement gets involved.
Local Laws Make a Big Difference
This is where the confusion arises. State and federal legislatures do not directly prohibit parking in front of a mailbox, outside of maybe some odd jurisdictions. These are the rules that the localities, the city, the town, and the municipality impose.
For example, cities like Bellingham, WA in particular forbids parking in front of mailboxes. Other locales could have nothing at all concerning it. Hence what is legal in one neighborhood goes against the law in the other, and you cannot help the fine given.
To be on the safe side, check with your local city office, or see if your local parking ordinances are available on the Internet. Or, it might be the simplest of all: do not park in front of any mailbox.
Can You Get a Fine or Be Towed?
Yes, you can.
If there are local rules about parking that concern mailboxes, and you violate them, you will get an infraction ticket. There are instances when a vehicle could be towed away, too. If no local law exists, the USPS may hold your mail while your neighbors renew their complaints, which can lead to official reports or citations down the line.
Not just that, like, a repeat offender might receive higher fines or other consequences for their driving record. With the rise of online shopping and deliveries, not getting one’s mail can actually pose a significant headache. And that right there is what becomes an actual issue.
What If Your Neighbor Keeps Blocking Your Mailbox?
You will find that such an occurrence is quite common. If people keep parking in front of your mailbox and you’re not receiving mail, tell them nicely. If nothing changes, report it to a local city office or simply speak with a post office in your area.
In some towns, such as Ferndale, WA, complaints at the local level resulted in new rules being promulgated. If enough people bring up the matter, local governments will take action.
Final Thoughts
There’s parking in front of a mailbox, and that probably doesn’t seem like too big a deal, but that could mean lost mail, fines, or something worse. And since each city has different regulations, the safest route is to abide by all: don’t park there.
It guarantees the delivery of your mail, avoids unnecessary hassles, and exhibits some respect for your neighbors.