Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-73not60
§1696 Private Express for Letters and Packets
Title 18 › Part I— CRIMES › Chapter 83— POSTAL SERVICE › § 1696
Summary
Running a private service to carry letters on mail routes is illegal and can bring a fine up to $500, jail up to six months, or both. You may bring properly stamped mail to the nearest post office or authorized drop. Sending mail by private or unlawful means is punishable. Carrying mail for free or using a one‑time messenger is allowed; if over 25 items, each must follow section 601 of title 39.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §1696
Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Whoever establishes any private express for the conveyance of letters or packets, or in any manner causes or provides for the conveyance of the same by regular trips or at stated periods over any post route which is or may be established by law, or from any city, town, or place to any other city, town, or place, between which the mail is regularly carried, shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.This section shall not prohibit any person from receiving and delivering to the nearest post office, postal car, or other authorized depository for mail matter any mail matter properly stamped.
(b)Whoever transmits by private express or other unlawful means, or delivers to any agent thereof, or deposits at any appointed place, for the purpose of being so transmitted any letter or packet, shall be fined under this title.
(c)This chapter shall not prohibit the conveyance or transmission of letters or packets by private hands without compensation, or by special messenger employed for the particular occasion only. Whenever more than twenty-five such letters or packets are conveyed or transmitted by such special messenger, the requirements of section 601 of title 39, shall be observed as to each piece.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §§ 304, 306, 309 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, §§ 181, 183, 186, 35 Stat. 1123, 1124; June 22, 1934, ch. 716, 48 Stat. 1207). Section consolidates section 304, 306, and 309 of title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed. Reference to persons causing, procuring, aiding or assisting was omitted as such persons are principals under section 2 of this title. Minor changes were made in phraseology.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $50”. 1970—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 91–375 substituted “section 601 of title 39” for “section 500 of title 39”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
of 1970 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 91–375 effective within 1 year after Aug. 12, 1970, on date established therefor by Board of Governors of United States Postal Service and published by it in Federal Register, see section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as an
Effective Date
note preceding section 101 of Title 39, Postal Service. Study of Private Carriage of Mail; Reports to President and CongressCongressional findings of need for study and reevaluation of restrictions on private carriage of letters and packets contained in this section and submission by United States Postal Service of reports to President and Congress for modernization of law,
Regulations
, and administrative practices, see section 7 of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as a note under section 601 of Title 39, Postal Service.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 1696
Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60