Mailboxes: Snow Season Reminders

Mailboxes and Posts should be properly installed & inspected to assure they are in good condition.

Our highway crews do their best to avoid mailboxes, however there are times when visibility, oncoming traffic and heavy snow works against them.  If a mailbox is damaged by snow removal, either from snow plows directly or from the force of the snow being thrown by plows, it is not done intentionally. It is, however, an unfortunate consequence of snow removal.

As far as the Highway Dept. replacing/repairing damaged mailboxes, there is no statutory or legal authority requiring the TOH Highway Department to do so. Section 319 of NYS Highway Law, mailboxes are considered highway obstructions and are only "allowed" in the right of way as a convenience to the owner. 

The best way to protect your mailbox during winter months is to ensure it is properly attached to the post, mailbox and post are in good condition, and installation meets proper specifications.

Highway Supt. Matt Curran