---
kind: "section"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3207"
title: "39"
title_heading: "Postal Service"
number: "3207"
heading: "Limit of weight of penalty mail; postage on overweight matter"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/39/3207"
units:
  - "Part IV — Mail Matter"
  - "Chapter 32 — Penalty and Franked Mail"
---

# §3207. Limit of weight of penalty mail; postage on overweight matter

- (a) [Penalty mail](/usc/39/3201.md?p=1) is restricted to articles not in excess of the weight and size prescribed for that class of mail receiving high priority in handling and delivery, except—
  - (1) stamped paper and supplies sold or used by the [Postal Service](/usc/39/102.md?p=1); and
  - (2) books and documents published or circulated by order of Congress when mailed by the Superintendent of Documents.
- (b) A [penalty mail](/usc/39/3201.md?p=1) article which is—
  - (1) over 4 pounds in weight;
  - (2) not in excess of the weight and size prescribed for mail matter; and
  - (3) otherwise mailable;

  is mailable at rates for that class of mail entitled to the lowest priority in handling and delivery, even though it may include written matter and may be sealed.


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 753.)

## Notes

### 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.