US postal rules (HOA, neighborhood, live)

[caryberry]

Anyone familiar with US Postal rules? After Googling - I am still unclear.

Someone in my neighborhood continually tapes notices to my mailbox. No big deal - but the tape lifts the paint (or today the paper is sticking to the box thanks to the rain ).

Our HOA got in trouble for putting "notices" in mailboxes so I was of the mind that if the USPS delivers mail to a "box" then technically and legally the box belongs to the USPS. Period.

Any "real" knowledge will be greatly appreciated!

[Bondurant]

Do you have your own mailbox or a CBU? If it's a private box, it's yours and the only power the Post Office has is to refuse delivery to a damaged box or one that is not high enough.

If it's a CBU, you need to find out if it's owned by the HOA or Post Office. Honestly, I don't think most carriers would care about notices posted to the box unless they cover the slots or lock.

[caryberry]

Not sure what a CBU is...but the mailbox was bought and installed by the owners...us.

[bigDwiki]

If the OP bought the mailbox, then it is not a CBU. See 18 U.S.C. § 1725 : US Code - Section 1725: Postage unpaid on deposited mail matter

According to the USPS, "No part of a mail receptacle may be used to deliver any matter not bearing postage, including items or matter placed upon, supported by, attached to, hung from, or inserted into a mail receptacle."

The article goes on to say that, "anyone knowingly and willfully depositing any mailable matter (in this way) is subject to a fine of no more than $300 for each offense.”

You can read the entire regulation in the Domestic Mail Manual 508 3.1.3 Use for Mail. It's not only illegal, it's federal illegal. It's considered tampering with a mailbox.

[caryberry]

Originally Posted by bigDwiki

If the OP bought the mailbox, then it is not a CBU. See 18 U.S.C. § 1725 : US Code - Section 1725: Postage unpaid on deposited mail matter

According to the USPS, "No part of a mail receptacle may be used to deliver any matter not bearing postage, including items or matter placed upon, supported by, attached to, hung from, or inserted into a mail receptacle."

The article goes on to say that, "anyone knowingly and willfully depositing any mailable matter (in this way) is subject to a fine of no more than $300 for each offense.”

You can read the entire regulation in the Domestic Mail Manual 508 3.1.3 Use for Mail. It's not only illegal, it's federal illegal. It's considered tampering with a mailbox.

Thanks Big D - that was the exact info that I was looking for.