In another thread, the subject of mailboxes being restricted to use by the post office came up. I’ve heard this before, but I’ve never been sure *exactly * what the rule applies to. I’m fairly sure it covers the mailboxes on a post,but around here, the mail is usually delivered through a slot in the front door. Is it really illegal for me to put a note through my neighbor’s door slot?
I am not a mailperson but my guess would be that if you shove a note through your neighbor’s door mail slot and:
a) it’s a solicitation for goods or services or something else that could be construed as ‘mail’ and
b) the neighbor reported it and made a real nuisance of themselves
You might actually get (at worst) a phone call or note from the post office asking you not to do it again. (Big deal)
From what I have been told, solicitors have some kind of right-of-way to visit your property much the same way the meter reader can, which explains the hundreds of notes I receive each year stuck to my door, left on my driveway, etc. advertising great pizza deals, carpet cleaning, maid services, etc. I’m guessing a mail slot gets treated like just some generic part of your property and therefore, is free from postal control.
Personally, I’ve never heard of anyone getting in trouble for sticking notices in your mailbox regardless. I’m sure someone somewhere has, but I bet they had to make a REAL nuisance of themselves to actually have someone take action against them.
See http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm/d041.htm#Rbi36796
1.2 is your answer. Looks like you can stick a letter or note with no postage into a door slot.