What does law say about mailboxes?

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Question: My son lost control of the car on a slippery road and slid into a mailbox. The post did not break or give and there was much damage to the car. I thought mailbox posts were supposed be breakable or something like that. Is this true?

Answer: Basically, the answer to your question is, yes. Without quoting the whole statute, according to Minnesota statute 169.072 sb 1, a mailbox installation or support on a public highway that does not meet the breakaway and location standards contained in rules adopted under subdivision 2 is declared to be a public nuisance, a road hazard, and a danger to the health and safety of the traveling public.

In part, subdivision 2 states the commissioner shall adopt rules that provide for standards and permissible locations of mailbox installations and supports on a street or highway. The commissioner shall base the rules substantially on federal highway administration regulations or recommendations, or other national standards or recommendations regarding the location and construction of safe, breakaway mailbox installations or supports.

In part, subdivision 3 states that after adoption of the rules authorized under subdivision 2, the commissioner or a road authority may remove and replace a mailbox installation or support that is (1) located on a street or highway under the jurisdiction of the commissioner or road authority, and (2) does not conform to the rules adopted under subdivision 2.

Probably the easiest way to get this done right is to ask your local post office for information on putting up a mail box post or support.

Here are some simple tasks to help you avoid being in a crash: turn on your lights; drive sober; stop talking on the cell phone; slow down; and because not every driver out there is as careful as you, buckle up.

If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws in Minnesota, send your questions to Trooper Andy Schmidt, Minnesota State Patrol, 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. Or reach me at andrew.schmidt@state.mn.us.

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