USPS Mailbox Regulations

Individuals must place mailboxes on motorized city, rural, and contract delivery service routes so a carrier can safely and conveniently serve them without leaving his or her vehicle.

The USPS states mailboxes must be on the right-hand side of the road in the carrier’s travel direction in all cases where traffic conditions make it dangerous for the carrier to drive to the left to reach the mailboxes, or where doing so would constitute a violation of traffic laws and regulations. Mailbox placement must conform with state laws and highway regulations.

Here are some basic guidelines according to the USPS:

1. Mailboxes should be installed at a height of 41–45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry.

2. Mailboxes should be set back 6–8 inches from the front face of the curb or road edge to the mailbox door.

However, because of varying road and curb conditions and other factors, the Postal Service recom­mends that customers contact their local Post Office™ before erecting or replacing mailboxes and supports.