USPS

[lockpickerman]

As a hobbyist, can I ship picks using USPS? Or will they confiscate the picks and possibly file criminal charges?

[keysman]

http://pe.usps.com/archive/html/dmmarch ... m#Raq21800


10.0 Motor Vehicle Master Keys and Locksmithing Devices
10.1Motor Vehicle Master Key—Definition
A motor vehicle master key is any key (other than the key furnished by the manufacturer with the motor vehicle, or the key furnished with a replacement lock, or an exact duplicate of such keys) designed to operate two or more motor vehicle ignition, door, or trunk locks of different combinations, including any pattern, impression, or mold from which such a master key can be made (18 USC 1716A; 39 USC 3002).
10.2Nonmailable
Any motor vehicle master key, as defined in 10.1, and any advertisement for the sale of such item, are nonmailable, unless sent to any of the following:
a. Lock manufacturer.
b. Professional locksmith.
c. Motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer.
d. Federal, state, or local government agency.
10.3Marking
Any marking identifying the contents is not permitted on the outside wrapper or container of any parcel containing motor vehicle master keys.
10.4Locksmithing Device—Definition
A locksmithing device is:
a. A device or tool (other than a key) designed to manipulate the tumblers in a lock into the unlocked position through the keyway of such lock.
b. A device or tool (other than a key or a device or tool under 10.4a) designed for bypassing a lock or similar security device, or for opening it by a method normally not used by consumers to open such locks or security devices.
c. A device or tool designed for making an impression of a key or similar security device to duplicate such key or device.
10.5Nonmailable
Any locksmithing device, as defined in 10.4, is nonmailable, unless sent to any of the following:
a. Lock manufacturer or distributor.
b. Bona fide locksmith.
c. Bona fide repossessor.
d. Motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer.
e. Bona fide automotive repair shops or businesses.


Take a look at section 10.4 10.5
I am NOT an attorney...

[lockpickerman]

But is the law actively enforced?

[Achyfellow]

(Not a lawyer either)

Sounds like they are essentialy saying "You can mail it to someone that is not going to screw things up with them" so they can cover their asses in case someone actually does it.

I'd also say that if they had any problem shipping lockpicks, a website selling lockpicks would not use them to ship their stuff...

Edit: Mistook this thread for the peterson shipping agent one, sorry.

[HerrMannelig]

As a hobbyist, can I ship picks using USPS? Or will they confiscate the picks and possibly file criminal charges?

They do not search domestic mail.

But is the law actively enforced?

The enforcement of law is a key indication of what the law actually means. So yes, this law is enforced, just like many other laws which seem to be excessive, only in the circumstances in which they were intended to be enforced. Such as using pseudo-names on forum accounts (technically against US federal law), using any electronic communication device in the commission of a crime (so texting someone to meet you for a criminal purpose is its own crime), etc.

Now, you can not make such considerations, and follow the law to the letter. But, if it makes a difference, the enforcement of this law is where you'd expect it to be, and they do not search domestic mail (or international, but you never know about the other end).

[KPick]

I'm sure you can. I order picks trough the mail all the time.

[smokingman]

Regarding enforcement, You are not likely to suffer any repurcussions unless you break the law with your tools.
Then the matter of procurement would be brought up and added to the existing charges.
So, I would not worry unless you get caught out late at night with your tools,
then they may be viewed as burglar tools, and the matter investigated