Question

[wolfiePO805]

Has anyone ever come across a postal worker speeding while on they are on duty and if so can we stop them and then ticket them? I have been told that they are exempt for traffic violations while on duty. Please advise if there is such an exemption and please direct me to the right U.S code. Thanks.

[SCSO612]

Has anyone ever come across a postal worker speeding while on they are on duty and if so can we stop them and then ticket them? I have been told that they are exempt for traffic violations while on duty. Please advise if there is such an exemption and please direct me to the right U.S code. Thanks.

I don't know the code, I'll research it though. They are exempt from CERTAIN violations such as driving off the paved roadway, etc. All speed limits are still applicable as far as I'm aware. I'll post when I find it.

[PhilipCal]

RDEP pretty well covered it, and I'll leave the detailed research to him. Basically, a Postal Vehicle, whether Govt owned, or contracted, is subject to all applicable traffic laws. Ie: speed, right of way, traffic lights, stop signs, etc. Rural route carriers are often permitted to drive on the "wrong side" of the roadway when delivering mail. Rather often their vehicles will have the controls on the "rider's side" of the vehicle. In some states, Rural Mail Carriers are permitted to carry a firearm while performing their Postal duties. Essentially, a Postal Driver is not exempt from any traffic laws which by their very nature, would apply to them. As a sidebar, and when I was working wrecks as a primary duty, I found that the Postal Service was very, very concerned that it's employees were operating Postal vehicles safely. Quite often, I would have a Post Office representative on scene with me, while I was investigating the accident. Never had a problem with them. They were submitting their own report to their agency.

[SgtCHP]

USPS vehicles have no exemptions from the law. If you see them speeding, stop and write for your local or state speed laws. For example, in CA they would be cited for 22350 of the Vehicle Code for violation of the basic speed laws or 22349 for exceeding the maximum speed laws.

[StudChris]

The only things they can do is things that are relevant to the job (driving off the roadway, stuff like that). With that said, I have never seen a postal worker (or UPS, or any other major parcel service) speeding or driving recklessly while in a work vehicle. I know at UPS you're in big trouble if you get a ticket in their vehicles, I'm sure USPS is no different.

[District B 13]

Why you gotta **** with my mail delivery?

ZIP moves the mail!

[Monkeybomb]

Yep I have stopped plenty of them. A few i would have written a ticket to. But I have yet to have one produce a registration. I have never been able to figure out what their vehicle was much less year etc. They all got a verbal.

Several have gotten tickets for at fault accidents though.

[mdrdep]

I'll have to find the relevant decision but here it is in a nutshell. Technically speaking you are forbiden from making a stop on a postal vehicle


Title XVIII
§ 1701. Obstruction of mails generally
Whoever knowingly and willfully obstructs or retards the passage of the mail, or any carrier or conveyance carrying the mail, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

However you are free to notify postal inspectors in your area who will willingly deal with the problem. In fact last time I spoke with a postal inspector he said they can actually charge them for the same offense federally for driving in a hazardous maner.

[School Cop]

In TX, I'm only aware of the exemption of seatbelt law, WHILE delivering the mail. They still have to wear it if, for example, they are driving from one rural route to another.

SO, I don't know of a speeding exemption.

[wolfiePO805]

Just an update the postal worker was in his own vehicle no markings at all and was clocked doing 47 in 35 so when the I tried to stop him he wouldn't pull over until he was at the post office.

[SCSO612]

I'll have to find the relevant decision but here it is in a nutshell. Technically speaking you are forbiden from making a stop on a postal vehicle


Title XVIII
§ 1701. Obstruction of mails generally
Whoever knowingly and willfully obstructs or retards the passage of the mail, or any carrier or conveyance carrying the mail, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

Uh oh... You better tear down EVERY stop sign, traffic light, etc. and restrict ANY other vehicle from using any roadway since they might be going slower than a mail vehicle desires to.

Wait a minute. Maybe we should think logically here. The law to not obstruct mail operations wasn't intended to be applied to traffic situations. It was to protect the carrier from being harassed by any person who might be trying to refuse access to a certain area.

[Sled]

Just an update the postal worker was in his own vehicle no markings at all and was clocked doing 47 in 35 so when the I tried to stop him he wouldn't pull over until he was at the post office.

Refusing to stop!

He would be in handcuffs!

Why is this even a question?

[PhilipCal]

Just an update the postal worker was in his own vehicle no markings at all and was clocked doing 47 in 35 so when the I tried to stop him he wouldn't pull over until he was at the post office.

Two charges:
1) Unlawful Speed
2).Failure to obey direction(s) of a Police Officer or the charge appropriate
for your state.

[Monkeybomb]

Just an update the postal worker was in his own vehicle no markings at all and was clocked doing 47 in 35 so when the I tried to stop him he wouldn't pull over until he was at the post office.

If it was more than a couple blocks and they knew I was there, they would be in the jail. No questions asked. That would have been a warning from me that turned into an in custody arrest quickly.

[CruiserClass]

Exempt from seatbelt laws here, same as any other courier that must frequently exit their vehicle.

Vehicles actually owned by the USPS are exempt from having to register the vehicle and display license plates, but contract vehicles are not.

Otherwise, fair game if you're so inclined.