Title 39 — Postal ServiceRelease 119-73
§603 Searches authorized
Title 39 › Part PART I— - GENERAL › Chapter CHAPTER 6— - PRIVATE CARRIAGE OF LETTERS › § 603
Summary
The Postal Service can give its officers or employees the power to search for mail being carried unlawfully. If an officer thinks such mail may be present, they may open and search vehicles from a place with a U.S. post office, things that were or are in those vehicles, and carrier or transport company stores or offices (not homes).
Full Legal Text
Title 39, §603
Postal Service — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
The Postal Service may authorize any officer or employee of the Postal Service to make searches for mail matter transported in violation of law. When the authorized officer has reason to believe that mailable matter transported contrary to law may be found therein, he may open and search any—
(1)vehicle passing, or having lately passed, from a place at which there is a post office of the United States;
(2)article being, or having lately been, in the vehicle; or
(3)store or office, other than a dwelling house, used or occupied by a common carrier or transportation company, in which an article may be contained.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 71–9 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
39 U.S.C. § 603
Title 39 — Postal Service
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73