What to Know About Street Sweeping in Chicago

You know it’s spring in the city when street sweepers are out and orange reminder signs are plastered around neighborhoods. Street sweeping started April 1 — here’s how to avoid tickets.

What is Street Sweeping?

To keep the streets clean and functional, the city uses mechanical street sweepers to pick up debris and litter that collects near the curb.

How Do I Know When My Block is Being Swept?

Check the city’s street sweeper tracker, which is updated in real time. Or view this schedule, which is delineated by ward.

I Forget to Move My Car. What Happens?

You’ll get a $50-60 ticket.

Our Tip?

Don’t try to outsmart the sweeper. Someone always waits and swears they’ll move their car by 9 a.m. Just move it the night before and save yourself the heartache (and money).

When Does Street Sweeping End?

It runs through mid-November.