In the winter, Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island transportation laws, and what to do if your mailbox is blocked.
City traffic with many cars parked in line on street side.
What does Rhode Island law say about parking in front of someone’s house?
In Rhode Island, 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.
According to the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, you may not park:
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In the travel portion of the highway.
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Beside a vehicle stopped or parked at the side of a street (Double Parking).
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Beside any roadwork so that you block traffic.
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On a bridge or in a tunnel.
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Any place where official signs prohibit stopping.
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In front of any driveway.
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Within 8 feet of a fire hydrant.
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Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
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Within 30 feet of a flashing red or yellow light, a stop sign, or a traffic light.
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Within 20 feet of the driveway of a fire station or across the street within 75 feet of the driveway, where there are signs.
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Any place where a sign says, ‘No Parking’.
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Within 50 feet of the nearest rail or a railroad crossing unless you stop for just a short time to load or unload passengers or packages.
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At any curb cut or ramp for handicapped persons.
In Providence, there are also rules against parking overnight. Cars without a valid overnight parking permit or guest permit are not allowed to park on the street between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.
More: Is it illegal to park in front of someone’s house? Here’s what Rhode Island law says
Other cities in Rhode Island have other specific rules too; for example, in Newport, no vehicle can be parked on a city street for 24 hours without being moved.
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.
A letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service places a letter into a mailbox while out making deliveries on a residential street on the Treasure Coast Friday, Aug. 5, 2023.
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.
But there are certain situations where, if a vehicle is considered “abandoned,” “abandoned of no value,” or “unattended,” the police department or the private property owner can order its removal.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Is it illegal to park in front of someone’s mailbox? RI law says this
