PennDOT knocked down your mailbox? Here’s what the state will — and won’t — pay for

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — As back-to-back winter storms blanket the region this weekend, PennDOT plows are out in force on state roads across Lehigh and Northampton counties. For some homeowners, that means a toppled mailbox come Monday morning.

But don’t expect automatic reimbursement. State policy draws a sharp line between damage caused by the plow itself and damage caused by snow thrown from the plow — and only one qualifies for a claim.

Mailboxes struck directly by a plow blade or a truck may be eligible for compensation. Mailboxes toppled by the force of plowed snow are not.

Most residential mailboxes are located within PennDOT’s legal right-of-way, making the property owner responsible for ensuring the box withstands winter conditions, according to the agency.

“Since most mailboxes are placed within PennDOT’s legal right-of-way, homeowners are responsible for confirming that their mailbox can withstand the weight of snow being thrown from a plow,” PennDOT states on its website.

How far back should your mailbox be?

The U.S. Postal Service recommends mailboxes be positioned 6 to 8 inches back from the curb, with the bottom of the box 41 to 45 inches above the road surface. Posts should be buried no more than 24 inches deep.

But that may not be far enough to avoid plow damage.

PennDOT advises placing mailboxes “as far from the shoulder of the roadway as the carrier can reach from a vehicle.” In rural areas without curbs, homeowners should contact their local postmaster for guidance on the maximum setback that still allows delivery.

The state’s right-of-way — the zone where PennDOT is not liable for snow-force damage — is often 33 feet wide total, measured from one side of the road to the other.

That means roughly 16 feet from the center line on each side, including the pavement, shoulders and any additional buffer. But the right-of-way can extend 120 feet or more depending on terrain and utilities.

Local resources

Lehigh Valley residents who need to determine whether their mailbox sits within the state right-of-way can contact PennDOT District 5 at 610-871-4106 to request right-of-way data for their property. The district covers Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Carbon, Monroe and Schuylkill counties.

How to file a claim

Residents who believe a state plow directly struck their mailbox must file a claim with the Bureau of Finance and Risk Management (FARM) within the state Department of General Services. FARM — not PennDOT — investigates and decides whether claims get paid.

As of February 2022, claimants no longer contact their local PennDOT office first. All claims go directly through FARM’s online Origami Risk portal at pa.gov.

Claimants have six months from the incident to file and should document the date, time, location and extent of damage. Doorbell camera footage showing direct contact can help establish a claim.

Township roads differ

Mailboxes on local roads fall under municipal jurisdiction, not PennDOT. Policies vary by township.

North Whitehall Township’s ordinance states the township will only cover mailbox damage confirmed to have occurred “through the backing or turning maneuvers of a township-owned vehicle” — not from forward plowing.

Lehigh Township directs residents to Section 163-28 of its code of ordinances regarding mailbox placement and liability.

Williams Township in Northampton County follows similar guidelines, noting that mailbox damage from plowed snow “is the responsibility of the property owner.”

Preventing damage

PennDOT recommends homeowners inspect posts for rot, attach reflective tape to help plow operators see mailboxes at night, and position the box as far from the road edge as their mail carrier can reach.

For those with repeated damage, PennDOT publishes free plans for a cantilever mailbox support that swings out of harm’s way, available at penndot.pa.gov.