Attaching flyers or any other unsolicited advertising material directly to the outside of a mailbox or its flag is also against United States Postal Service (USPS) regulations. The USPS restricts the use of mailboxes to postal deliveries only, and this includes the mailbox flag, which is intended for signaling mail pickup and delivery status to postal carriers. Placing flyers, advertisements, or any non-postal items on, in, or around the mailbox without proper postage and processing through the USPS is prohibited.

Violating these regulations can lead to fines and penalties, as it infringes upon the exclusive use of mailboxes for postal service purposes.

For individuals or businesses looking to distribute flyers or advertisements, alternative lawful methods include…

• Door hanger advertisements placed directly on doorknobs.
• Direct mail services through the USPS, where items are properly mailed with postage.
• Distribution in public places where it is legally permitted, in accordance with local regulations.

Using these alternatives ensures compliance with USPS regulations and avoids potential legal issues associated with unauthorized use of mailboxes.