Mailbox Regulations – Regulations You Shouldn’t Ignore
The USPS (United States Postal Service) has mailbox regulations regarding residential mailboxes and mail delivery. Mailbox requirements are designed to standardize the mail receptacle, mail delivery and pickup.
Post Mount and Curb Side Mailboxes
There are regulations regarding curbside mailboxes. A curbside mailbox can be one of three size for residential mail:-
- Small T1 (C1)size is approximately 5 inches wide by 6 inches tall and 18 ½ inches long.
- Medium T2 (C2) size is approximately 6 inches wide by 7 inches tall by 19 inches long.
- Large T3 (C3) size is approximately 8 inches wide by 11 ½ inches tall by 22 ½ inches long.
The “T” stands for Traditional and the “C” stands for Contemporary. The dimensions reflect the minimum interior size.
The Importance of Mailbox Positioning
Curbside or Post Mount Mailboxes
The curbside mailbox post should be positioned 6-8 inches from the curb and approximately 42-46 inches high measured from the lawn to the top of the installed curbside mailbox, not the top of the post. If the post has a vertical arm, the arm should not extend any closer than 6 inches from the curb. When installing your new set, make sure your set complies with these regulations.
Be cautious when building your own mailbox and post. Approximately 100 motorists are killed yearly in collisions with curbside mailboxes. Some posts are mounted in concrete or constructed of indestructible materials. In a collision, a motor vehicle can be severely damaged and its occupants injured or killed.
Placement of Wall Mount Mailboxes
The USPS does not have rules or regulations for wall mount mailboxes, however, you should notify your local mail carrier before installation to ensure proper placement of the mailbox and check for any local codes or regulations governing placement of the mailbox. The mailbox should operate easily and nothing should obstruct the opening and closing of the lid.
If you live in a community governed by a home owners association then they will have their own rules or requirements which you need to comply with.