Is it illegal to block access to a mailbox?

Author: Juvenal Hansen II  |  Last update: Thursday, January 8, 2026

A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle in such a manner as to obstruct a mailbox or to interfere with the delivery of mail by the United States Postal Service.

What happens if someone blocks your mailbox?

Mailbox blocked

Without such access, the safety of the carrier is jeopardized. Mailbox blockage by a vehicle may also prevent the delivery of mail. According to our policy, the city or rural carrier should get out of the vehicle to make delivery if the mailbox is temporarily blocked by a vehicle.

Is it illegal to protect your mailbox?

Mailboxes are private property, and tampering with them is against the law. Property owners have the right to keep their mail safe from unauthorized access. In US federal laws, tampering with mailboxes is a crime. Breaking these laws can lead to fines or imprisonment.

Is it illegal to break into someone's mailbox?

Under federal law, illegally interfering with someone else's mail is considered a felony.

Are you allowed to lock your mailbox?

Note: A mailbox with a lock must have a slot that is large enough to accommodate your daily mail volume. The Postal Service™ neither opens a locked box nor accepts a key for this purpose.

Throwing Away Someone Else's Mail Is A Felony — Here's How To Get Rid Of It Legally

What is the federal law for blocking mailbox?

§1701.

Whoever knowingly and willfully obstructs or retards the passage of the mail, or any carrier or conveyance carrying the mail, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

What are the rules for a mailbox?

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. Put your house or apartment number on the mailbox.

What is the mailbox law?

Under the mailbox rule, an offer is considered accepted the moment the offeree mails their letter, rather than when the offeror receives the letter in the mail. The mailbox rule also applies to other means of communication, such as a fax, telegram, or email, provided that it is irrevocable once sent.

Can you look into someone's mailbox?

There actually is a federal law that makes it a crime for anyone to access a mailbox except for an official postal service employee or the owner of the mailbox. Anyone else who opens the box or puts anything inside of it is a criminal act.

What to do if someone keeps breaking into your mailbox?

Notify your local police. Place your mail on hold if needed, until you repair or replace your box.

Can you put a note in someone's mailbox?

It may seem harmless, but legally speaking, you should not put anything inside someone else's mailbox. Mailboxes are considered federal property, protected by rules set by the United States Postal Service.

Is reinforcing your mailbox illegal?

The Postal Service does not regulate mailbox supports in any way except for purposes of carrier safety and delivery efficiency. Posts and other supports for curbside mailboxes are owned and controlled by customers, who are responsible for ensuring that posts are neat and adequate in strength and size.

What is mailbox rights?

Set up mailbox permissions

You can allow a user to read emails from the mailbox, send emails on behalf of another user, and send emails as if they were sent from that mailbox. Permissions can only be set up within the current organization.

Can you block someone from getting mail at your address?

The most effective way to stop receiving mail for previous residents or strangers is to talk to your local Post Office. Most of the time, you'll be able to quickly resolve any issues by listing your household members as the only people who should receive mail at your address.

Is it illegal to remove someone's mailbox?

The most a person can do in regards to a mailbox is replace the mailbox. They cannot move it without approval from the Post Office.

What to do if someone runs into your mailbox?

file a police report. submit a claim with the liable driver's auto insurance company. purchase a new mailbox that is comparable to the damage one and keep your receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.

Is a mailbox public property?

Once you install your mailbox, and it is ready for the receipt of mail, you effectively lease your mailbox to the federal government for the service of mail delivery.

Is it illegal to put a flyer in someone's mailbox?

Yes, It's Illegal to Put Flyers in Mailboxes Here Are Other Ways to Distribute Them Legally | UPrinting. Pocket-sized advertising in stunning custom shapes & sizes. Organize information in beautiful custom brochure layouts.

Can I sue someone for opening my mail?

Provided there is no malicious intent, the legal system typically does not treat the accidental opening of another person's mail as a criminal act. However, intentionally misusing mail belonging to someone else may fall under obstruction of correspondence, mail tampering or mail fraud.

Is it a federal law to block a mailbox?

Whoever knowingly and willfully obstructs or retards the passage of the mail, or any carrier or conveyance carrying the mail, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

What is the mailbox rule in law?

The principle that an acceptance becomes effective, and binds the offeror, once it has been properly mailed.

What is the code for a mailbox?

By USPS regulatory standards, your mailbox should be 41” to 45” from the ground or street surface and up to the inside floor of the mailbox. Your mailbox door should be set 6” to 8” back from the front face of the curb or the edge of the road.

What is the mailbox restriction law?

According to the United States Postal Service, only authorized USPS delivery personnel are authorized to place items in a mailbox. By law, a mailbox is only intended for the receipt of postage-paid U.S. Mail. On their website, the USPS warns people about this law, commonly known as the mailbox restriction.

What does a rock in your mailbox mean?

1. A Local Custom or Practical Joke. In some areas or communities, placing a small rock in someone's mailbox is simply a local tradition – a way of saying hello or playing a harmless prank. It could be a quirky method to foster communication or a sign of friendship from a neighbor.

Is a mailbox considered personal property?

Assuming a USPS-compliant mailbox is installed and ready for use, it's considered federal property. In other words, the homeowner doesn't legally own his or her mailbox; it's the property of the U.S. government.

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