MnDOT reminds public to get their mailboxes ready for winter
With winter coming, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages residents to get their mailboxes ready for the change in the weather.
For the upcoming winter season, residents are responsible for the care and replacement of a damaged mailbox unless it was directly hit by a snowplow. Under Minnesota Statute, mailboxes along state highways need to conform to location and breakaway standards. These standards are available at the following web page: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/stateaid/trafficsafety/safety/mailboxes.pdf
Often when damage occurs, it is the result of mailboxes not conforming to these requirements. This is often caused by rusting mailboxes or posts that do not stand up to the snow thrown by plows.
Please note the following reminders about mailboxes along state highways:
* Mailbox reflectors and driveway markers should be blue or clear. Motorists may confuse red and orange reflectors with vehicle tail lights, which could draw them toward the mailbox when visibility is limited.
* Mailboxes with damaged or worn latches should be replaced. Wind and heavy snow can cause a mailbox door to fall open if the latch isn’t working properly.
* Newspaper holders, chains and other types of ornamental displays under the mailbox add to its size and weight and do not leave much room for plow clearance.
MnDOT follows up on all mailbox damage complaints and appreciates cooperation from mailbox owners when investigating damages. Mailbox damage found to be caused by a direct snowplow collision will be repaired by MnDOT, not from snow thrown from the plow. Repairs may take time due to snow removal and other regular maintenance activities.
