HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT

It is important to be reminded of a few things in regard to snow removal and winter driving.

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During and after snow removal events, highway agencies, in the course of plowing, receive emails and/or phone calls regarding damage to mailboxes, either from snowplows directly or from the force of snow being thrown by plows. If such damage is indeed caused by snow removal, it is not done intentionally. It is, however, an unfortunate consequence of snow removal.

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As far as the particular agencies replacing damaged mailboxes, it must be pointed out that there is no statutory or legal authority requiring them to do so. In fact, under Section 319, of New York State Highway Law, mailboxes are considered highway obstructions and are only "allowed" in the right-of-way as a convenience to the owner as it is understood they are required for mail delivery.

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Additionally, an opinion issued by the Attorney General on February 28, 1966, stated, “When the necessity of keeping the highway open conflicts with an individual’s reception of the mail, the later must stand aside.” Highway crews do their best to avoid mailboxes, but often times visibility, oncoming traffic, and heavy snow work against them.

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The best method to protect your mailbox during the winter months is to ensure it is properly attached to the post that is in good condition and meets specifications and to keep the mailbox assembly simple to limit impact surface area for plowed snow.