Denver police: Window washing at intersections is illegal

DENVER ( KDVR ) – It has been months since Denver drivers first started noticing window washers at many busy intersections across the metro area.

Now, it is almost a usual sight to see a few men in groups, squeegees and water bottles in hand approaching cars waiting for the stoplight.

The Denver Police Department told FOX31 that this practice is illegal, and a couple of months ago, the department began posting flyers across the city to educate the individuals engaging in window washing.

They are written in Spanish, with the headlines reading:

“The Risks of Cleaning Windshields: It is dangerous, it is illegal.”

Some Denver drivers said they haven’t noticed much of a difference since the release of these flyers.

“Last time I encountered them was a couple days ago and at the intersection of Alameda and Santa Fe,” said Carol Rykiel. “I drive that way quite a bit, especially because it’s the only way to get on I-25 South right now with all the construction there.”

She said lately, this intersection has been a hotspot for folks to wash windshields.

“I have a crack in my windshield and so this particular day, the guy was super aggressive. I asked him in Spanish, you know, I asked him, ‘Please, no.’ You know, and, ‘No limpieza por favor.’ And he got very angry and aggressive,” Rykiel said. “He took his squeegee and his water bottle and he slammed my windshield.”

Rykiel said she has encountered windshield washers before, but this was the first time she felt unsafe.

“I was just surprised when somebody became that aggressive,” Rykiel said.

Rykiel said she was thankful her windshield didn’t crack further. While she said she supports the entrepreneurial mindset, she worries about the safety of drivers and the windshield washers if this continues.

In the meantime, she said after this experience, she is offering advice to others on how to communicate safely to these folks you do not want your windshield washed.

“Friends, you know, from Paraguay and other countries said just turn your windshield wipers on, which is a great suggestion,” said Rykiel.

Denver police said they are aware individuals are still engaging in window washing and are investigating any complaints.

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