How come people can't cash checks before the date on the check but companies can?

Question

A few weeks ago I had a check that a person had just written out and put down the 16th instead of the 15th on the date line on the check, so the bank wouldn't cash it. I knew it is their policy so I wasn't shocked, but I didn't realize the mistake before I went in or I wouldn't have tried to cash it. Anyway, I sent in a check to my utility company, the date on the bill said it needed to be paid by July 18th, so I postdated the check for the 18th, and they were able to cash it on the 7th. I had the money, so I'm not upset, but i just want to know what gives them the authority to cash checks early, but everyone else?

Answer 1

The utility company didn't notice the date, and apparently the bank didn't either.  You can't prosecute on a bad post dated check.

Answer 2

More than likely, you just had an observant teller.  

When you mailed in your utility payment, your check was one of many in a deposit.  Banks do not have enough employees to go over every check received and verify that every thing is completed properly.

By the way, it is illegal in many states to postdate a check.