HVNY Q+A: The plow destroyed my mailbox, what do I do?
QUESTION: The plow destroyed my mailbox, what can I do?
Short answer: It depends where you live (town, road)…
For all the good our regional snowplow crews do to keep the roads clear during and after storms, sometimes there’s collateral damage. “We totally own the fact that sometimes drivers get over a little too far and knock over a mailbox,” says Ulster County Department of Public Works Supervisor Babcock.
However, “Ulster County does not accept liability if a mailbox is damaged during highway snow removal operations, pursuant to NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law 1103(b) which states that the rules of the road shall not apply to snowplows while engaged in snowplow operations.”
“The mailbox is on town, county or state right of way and is a courtesy to the postal service,” the East Fishkill Highway Department notes. “Thus, when the necessity of keeping the highway open conflicts with mail delivery and receipt, the latter must stand aside.”
But not every town is the same, for example, the Town of Newburgh Highway Department will repair or replace mailboxes damaged by highway snow removal operations provided the mailboxes meet the following criteria:
The mailbox was installed and maintained according to United States Postal Department standards.
The mailbox, supports, and post are of sound structural condition to withstand winter snow removal operations.
Upon inspection by the Highway Superintendent, or his designee, the town plow or wing did in fact make contact with the mailbox or the support and the movement of snow did not cause the damage.
The homeowners or residents have made a diligent effort to delineate or otherwise mark and keep mailbox area cleared of snow to make the mailbox visible and to insure that private plow operators have not caused the damage.
Homeowners or residents must make their complaints to the Newburgh Highway Department within 48 hours of the damage occurring by calling 561-2177. Link
The Dutchess County Department of Public Works said the answer depends on what kind of road you live on – If you live on a highway maintained by the New York State Department of Transportation (roads like Route 9, 9D, 9G, 22, 44, 52, 55, 82, 115, 199, 216, 292, 308, 343, or 376), you will not be reimbursed.
If you live on a town or village road, consult your local government’s highway or public works department.
If you live on a county road (the ones with the blue signs with gold numbers), a DPW complaint form is available at this link. If the county’s Risk Management division approves your application, reimbursement of up to $65 is possible.
The DCOFA added that residents should “consult the post office in your zip code if your regular mailbox is taken out of commission by a plow.”
If a private plow causes damage, contact the company directly.
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