The City of San José will try a new street sweeping enforcement strategy in neighborhoods that often have parked cars blocking sweepers. In May and June, two test neighborhoods will have streets swept with special parking restrictions in place. People who ignore the restrictions will have their vehicles towed.

Residents in the test areas must move their vehicles during the posted hours. The City will tow any vehicles left parked on the street during the posted temporary “No Parking – Tow Away” hours. We will distribute flyers and place signs on the street before any restrictions happen.

Car-free streets let the street sweepers reach the curb, preventing pollutants from flowing into nearby waterways. Every year, street sweeping in San José keeps 5,000 tons of oils, metals, and debris out of the watershed.

Parking will be restricted for longer than usual in these test areas to allow parking officers to tow vehicles and clear the street if needed. We will place signs along the street a minimum of 72 hours in advance. We urge residents to help us keep their street clean and avoid having your vehicle towed.

The San José City Council directed the Department of Transportation to test using towing instead of tickets to enforce street sweeping rules. The goal is to see if stricter enforcement improves how well we can clean the streets. In the two test neighborhoods, parked vehicles often block sweepers.

To recover towed vehicles, call the San Jose Police Department Vehicle Records Assistance Line at 408-277-4263.

Tow-Enforced Sweeping Locations and Dates

In City Council District 7, street sweeping parking restrictions will be enforced by towing on May 13 and June 10. Restrictions will be posted along Nordale Avenue, Welch Avenue, Needles Drive, and portions of Rock Springs Drive and Wool Creek Drive.

In City Council District 10, street sweeping parking restrictions will be enforced by towing on May 11 and June 8. Restrictions will be posted along Mesa Drive, Tucson Drive, Carlsbad Drive, Via Monte Drive, and Almaden Road.