In the winter, Vermont residents must spend time clearing snow from the area around their mailboxes in order to have their mail delivered. But what if their mailbox is blocked by a car?
In Vermont, 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 Vermont transportation laws, and what to do if your mailbox is blocked.
What does Vermont law say about parking in front of someone’s mailbox?
In Vermont, parking in front of someone’s mailbox is generally legal, if a nuisance, if on a public street. However, there are some restrictions on parking in Vermont.
According to the Vermont Statutes on Motor Vehicles, you may not park in the following areas except to temporarily to unload passengers or merchandise in some cases:
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
alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing, or parking would obstruct traffic
upon any bridge or other elevated structure 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 six 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 light 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 and within 75 feet of the entrance to any fire station, when properly signposted
within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing
at any place where official signs restrict parking at an electric vehicle charging station and the vehicle violates the restrictions
More: Is it illegal to park in front of someone’s house? Here’s what Vermont law says
Cities and towns in Vermont may have their own rules. For example, St. Albans has a winter parking ban, meaning that people are prohibited from parking their car between 1 and 6 a.m. from December 1 through March 15. Burlington doesn’t allow parking on Church Street between Main and Pearl Streets, and both cities have permitting guidelines.
Some local ordinances may prohibit parking in other areas, such as in front of mailboxes, too, 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?
In most cases, no, as parking in front of a mailbox is not prohibited by state or federal rules.
But there are certain situations where, if a vehicle is considered abandoned on public property, the landowner may remove it or call a towing company to do so. They must inform local law enforcement if they remove the vehicle.
According to Vermont statute, a vehicle is considered abandoned if it has been left unattended without the consent of the property owner for over 48 hours or for any period of time without a valid registration plate or vehicle identification number.
Other towable offenses in Vermont include meters violations, parking on a residential street without a permit, parking where parking is prohibited, or parking in a way that “interferes with the policing, construction, or maintenance of the highways, including the removal of snow.” In these cases, law enforcement will order the removal of the vehicle.
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Is it legal to park in front of someone’s mailbox? VT law says this
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