Denver’s spring street sweeping season kicks off Thursday, with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure reminding residents to move their cars or risk a getting a ticket.

Parking restrictions associated with street sweeping go into effect Thursday. Red and white signs on street blocks display when streets are going to be swept and when cars are not permitted to park there.

Cars parked in scheduled sweep zones will receive a $50 ticket for parking in a tow away zone.

Street sweeping helps keep the city clean by keeping dirt and debris out of the air and water and preventing flooding caused by clogged storm sewer inlets, DOTI said.

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By moving cars out of the routes of street sweepers, operators are able to get all the way to the curb line where dirt and debris accumulates.

On sweeping days, residents should also remove items from the curb and trim branches near the street to prevent trees and equipment from damage. Bicyclists and drivers should use extreme caution when passing street sweepers.

Street sweeping is especially important this year as city officials lifted parking restrictions for several months in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting the sweeping season.

Residents can check street sweeping schedules online and sign up for reminders to move their cards on street sweeping days.

Street sweeping season lasts from April through November.