In the winter, New Hampshire residents must spend time clearing snow from the area around their mailboxes in order to have their mail delivered. But what if the mailbox is blocked by a car?
In New Hampshire, there's no federal or state law prohibiting you from parking in front of a mailbox. However, it is illegal to park in front of someone’s driveway, and there are other restrictions.
Here’s what to know about New Hampshire transportation laws, and what to do if your mailbox is blocked.
What does New Hampshire law say about parking in front of someone’s house?
In New Hampshire, parking in front of someone’s mailbox is generally legal if on a public street, thought it might be considered rude. However, there are restrictions.
The law says that on any road outside business or residence districts, drivers should not leave a vehicle on “the paved or main-traveled part of the way when it is practicable to stop, park or so leave such a vehicle off such part of said way.”
But if you must leave it in that area, the car must leave enough room for other cars to travel through freely and be in an area clearly visible to cars coming each direction.
There also are many other parking restrictions in New Hampshire.
More: Is it illegal to park in front of someone’s house? Here’s what New Hampshire law says
According to New Hampshire “Rules of the Road” laws, places where parking is prohibited include:
On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street (double parked)
On a sidewalk
Within an intersection
On a crosswalk
Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within 30 feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone
Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing or parking would obstruct traffic
Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a way or within a highway tunnel
On any railroad tracks
At any place where official signs prohibit stopping, standing or parking
In front of a public or private driveway
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
Within 30 feet upon the approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway
Within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within 75 feet of said entrance when properly signposted
Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing
On any controlled access highway or in the area between roadways of a divided highway
Some local municipalities may have more specific rules on parking. For example, there are some places in Portsmouth where only Portsmouth residents are allowed to park at certain times, and there are some streets in Nashua where parking is prohibited altogether.
Some local ordinances may prohibit parking in other areas too, such as in front of mailboxes, so you should check your town's rules.
Does my mail still get delivered if the mailbox is blocked?
The United States Postal Service says that customers are required to ensure that proper access is provided to mail boxes in order for mail to be delivered.
They define "proper access" as including the removal of snow. If accumulated snow prevents the mail carrier from reaching your box, you can set up alternatives like a temporary mail box, arranging with a neighbor to receive your neighbor, or pick up your mail at your local post office.
However, USPS also says that mailbox blockage by a vehicle may also prevent the delivery of mail.
"According to our policy, the city or rural carrier should get out of the vehicle to make delivery if the mailbox is temporarily blocked by a vehicle," USPS says. "However, if the carrier continually experiences a problem in serving curb line or rural boxes where the customer is able to control on street parking, the postmaster may withdraw delivery service."
If a car is continuously blocking your mailbox, you may be able to discuss alternative delivery methods with your postmaster.
A stranger is parked in front of my mailbox. Can I get them towed?
You can't tow a vehicle for simply being in front of your mailbox, as it is not against federal or state laws.
But, if someone has parked illegally, like in front of your driveway, you can complain to an authorized official to remove the vehicle.
New Hampshire law outlines the reasons for “removal and impoundment.” They include:
A vehicle has been left unattended on the paved portion of a toll road, turnpike, or interstate and defense highway for a period of greater than 4 hours
A vehicle has been left unattended on any way or the right-of-way thereof for a period of greater than 24 hours
A vehicle is obstructing any way or the access thereto, or access to a public building, or is or will be a menace to traffic if allowed to remain, or is obstructing snow removal or highway maintenance operations
The owner or legal occupant of private property has complained that a vehicle is obstructing the passage of vehicles from a public street or highway onto the driveway of such private property
A vehicle is reported stolen, or is apparently abandoned, or without proper registration, or apparently unsafe to be driven
The owner or custodian of the vehicle is under arrest or otherwise incapacitated, and the vehicle will be a menace to traffic if permitted to remain
A vehicle has been left unattended within a state-owned park and ride facility for a period of greater than 21 days
A vehicle is parked or has been left unattended on election day for longer than 3 hours in an area designated for voters who are temporarily present for the purpose of voting.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Is it illegal to park in front of someone’s mailbox? NH law says this
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