Is It Illegal to Pass a Street Sweeper?

Whether you've been in Rochester, MN for a few months or a few years, you've probably noticed the street sweepers we have in town. I see them come through our neighborhood every once in a while, and every once in a while, I'll get stuck behind one.

I got stuck behind one a few days ago, actually, and it got me thinking: Is it illegal to pass a street sweeper?

Speaking of street sweepers, last week, I wrote about the Name a Street Sweeper contest that the city is putting on right now. Make sure to submit your funny or punny names by March 25th, 2026.

READ MORE: Name a Street Sweeper Contest Kicks Off in Rochester

Can You Pass a Street Sweeper?

Like I mentioned, I got stuck behind a street sweeper a few days ago, and if you've ever gotten stuck behind one yourself, you know how painfully slow they go.

Of course, if you're on a road with two lanes, this isn't an issue, but I was on a residential road. Once I finally got the chance, I went around them, but it made me wonder if that was even a legal thing to do (oops).

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They have their hazards on, but I figured that would be for visibility since they're driving so slowly. But lucky for me, and anyone else who gets stuck behind a street sweeper, it's 100% legal to pass a street sweeper as long as it's safe to do so.

Just be patient, give the street sweeper plenty of space, and keep your eye out for parked cars. If you're passing and the street sweeper needs to avoid a parked car, you may end up in an accident, because the street sweeper has limited visibility and may not see you.