Winter Mailbox Damage Policy
State of Maine law views mailboxes as an encroachment in a public way, put there at the Owners risk and the municipalities or the State are not legally liable for any damage or repairs to mailboxes due to snow removal operations.
Seldom are mailboxes damaged by direct contact with a plow. Most mailboxes are knocked over by the weight of the snow coming off the plow and wing. Mailboxes are most at risk during heavy snow events or if they have a weakened post, are not securely fastened to the post or located too close to the road. Standards set by Maine DOT for mailbox installation are available here.
Although our snow removal contractors make every effort to avoid damage sometimes it is unavoidable. In the event a mailbox is damaged by snow removal operations, the owner needs to make any necessary repairs. If a resident feels the damage was caused by negligence on the part of the snow removal contractor the Selectmen and Road Commissioner should be contacted and will review the circumstances.