Each day when I used to deliver for Amazon I would play peak-a-boo with the USPS driver as we were delivering to houses. One thing I would notice is that he would be visibly upset when he would pull up to the next house and their was a car parked Infront of the mailbox. Ofcourse I know it would make him upset but was it ever illegal? I have done some digging and this is what I have found out.
No, it is not technically illegal to park in front of a mailbox. However, some municipalities or states may have laws in place that prohibit parking in certain areas close to mailboxes, such as on either side of the road or within a certain distance from the mailbox. Additionally, if you are blocking the mailbox and preventing it from being accessed by others, you could be in violation of other laws and ordinances, such as those that prevent obstructing a public right-of-way.
That’s a fun answer! When you continue reading I’ll talk about little more about the state laws and whap happens if your mailbox is blocked when a deliver is going out.
Is Blocking Access To A Mailbox Illegal?
There is no clear-cut answer to this question, as the legality of parking near a mailbox is determined on a state-by-state basis. In some areas, there may be specific ordinances in place that prohibit parking near mailboxes, while in others there may not be any laws or regulations regarding this issue.
Examples of states laws are:
- California: Under California Vehicle Code Section 22500, it is illegal to park a vehicle within 15 feet of a mailbox. Additionally, the state’s DMV website notes that if you are blocking someone else’s mailbox or driveway access, you may be in violation of other laws as well. For example, obstructing a public right-of-way is prohibited under California Vehicle Code Section 21655.
- New York: Similarly, in New York state, it is illegal to park within 15 feet of a mailbox under Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1210-b. However, if you are parked blocking someone else’s driveway access or impede access to the public road, this is considered a more serious offense and is punishable by an increased fine.
These are just a few examples of states and their laws regarding how you park next to a mailbox.
Can You Get a Ticket For Parking Too Close To a Mailbox?
Yes, you may be subject to a ticket if you park too close to a mailbox. In many jurisdictions, it is illegal to park within a certain distance of the mailbox (usually around 15 feet), and parking in this zone could result in a traffic violation or ticket. Additionally, blocking someone else’s mailbox is also typically considered an offense that is punishable by a fine.
What Happens If My Mailbox is Blocked?
If you’re mailbox is blocked and you’re not getting mail then I suspect nothing serious will happen. Mainly because it’s not hindering anyone’s effort at that moment. However, if you are expecting an important delivery, such as a package from the US Postal Service or FedEx, then your mailbox is technically blocked and you may not receive it. In this case, you may need to contact the appropriate delivery service in order to arrange for a redelivery Additionally, depending on the situation and the type of mail that is blocked, you may be able to file a claim with the postal service or delivery service if your package is lost as a result of being blocked.
Will USPS Deliver If Car is Parked in Front of My Mailbox?
In most cases, yes. The USPS will make sure all mail is delivered in a timely and efficient manner, regardless of whether there is a vehicle parked in front of the mailbox or not. However, if you do park too close to or are blocking the mailbox entirely, this may prevent USPS workers from being able to access your mail. Additionally, if there is a violation that is considered serious enough (such as blocking someone else’s access to their driveway), this may also prevent USPS delivery services from happening as usual.
So I would say that it’s in your best interest to use your driveway or somewhere that’s not hindering another persons job.
Conclusion
Whether or not it is illegal to park near a mailbox is determined by the specific laws and ordinances of your state. In many cases, parking within a certain distance of a mailbox is prohibited, while blocking someone else’s mailbox access is considered to be a more serious offense.
