Notice: The uscode.house.gov website is currently operating in a temporary format. While the United States Code remains available from its authoritative source, some website features and functionality are temporarily unavailable.
The United States Code Online is current through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
Search & Browse Currency and Updating Classification Tables Popular Name Tool Positive Law Codification Editorial Reclassification Downloads
39 U.S.C. 603: Searches authorizedText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 39-POSTAL SERVICECHAPTER 6-PRIVATE CARRIAGE OF LETTERS

§603. Searches authorized

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.

( Pub. L. 91–375 , Aug. 12, 1970 , 84 Stat. 727 .)

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.