Frequently Asked Questions

Unless there is sign prohibiting u-turns, it is up to the driver to make a prudent decision as to whether or not it is a safe location for a u-turn.

RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 46.60.295 states that drivers shall not perform a u-turn unless such movement can be made in safety without interfering with other traffic, and approaching vehicles must be able to see your vehicle from either direction for 500 feet. Click here to read RCW 46.60.295.

Traffic circles are traffic calming devices, placed in the middle of a four-way intersection to slow approaching traffic, generally in a residential neighborhood. Traffic circles are smaller and serve a different function than the larger roundabouts, which are most often utilized on heavily traveled roadways in place of a traffic signal. Traffic circles are highly effective in preventing accidents at otherwise uncontrolled intersections. Traffic moves counterclockwise (to the driver's right) around a traffic circle. Approaching vehicles should yield to vehicles already in the intersection and traveling around the traffic circle.

A traffic circle is a small raised island placed in the middle of a relatively low-volume intersection to control speeding. Traffic circles can be modified to fit within the intersection, while allowing cars and larger vehicles to navigate around them. Roundabouts are larger circles situated in much wider intersections. There is lane striping to direct vehicular traffic and marked crosswalks pulled back from the intersection that allow pedestrians to cross safely. Roundabouts can have one travel lane or multiple lanes, depending on how many vehicles it is designed to accommodate. Vehicles entering the roundabout are required to yield to vehicles already in the roundabout. Whereas traffic circles are used primarily to prevent speeding at low-volume intersections, roundabouts are generally employed in place of a traffic signal at higher-volume intersections.

A traffic signal that is flashing red in all directions is to be treated as an all-way stop. Upon arrival at the intersection you should come to a complete stop and then proceed only when it is safe and appropriate for you to pass through the intersection. When you arrive at a traffic signal that is not operating at all (this is commonly called a dark signal), the intersection is to be treated as an all-way stop. You must come to a complete stop. When it is your turn, you may pass through the intersection. In both cases, once you have arrived at your destination, please contact the Traffic Signal Outages number at 253-931-3010 during business hours in order to let the City know which signal is malfunctioning and the time you saw the malfunction occurring. If this occurs after hours, please call the police non-emergency number at 253-288-2121 or 911 if you are unable to reach a live person at the Traffic Signal Outages number.

The "WALK" signal is meant only to indicate a pedestrian may start across the street. The flashing "DON'T WALK" timing is set to allow pedestrians enough time to continue to finish their crossing if they have just stepped off the curb. The "DON'T WALK" light, solid or flashing, essentially means don't leave the curb.

Studies show that drivers can detect which stop signs are not really necessary to control intersections. If a stop sign is placed only for speed control, drivers tend to pay less attention when approaching it, and many drivers slow but don't stop. In that instance, stop signs may create more of a traffic hazard than they prevent since pedestrians and other drivers expect all cars to stop. It has also been shown through studies that motorists tend to increase their speeds after stopping at an intersection to make up for lost time. Essentially, stop signs placed inappropriately can create more safety problems than they solve and should be installed only after a careful traffic engineering study.

The City is currently revising the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program to address speeding concerns. For more information, please call 253-804-5050.

The City does not permit the use of these signs on city streets because they tend to give parents and children a false sense of security. Children should be encouraged to play well away from the street. Also, drivers need to watch for children at ALL times, not just in areas with these signs. View more information about Children at Play Sign (PDF).

There are two different types of cameras used for traffic purposes in Auburn. The first is called Video Detection. Cameras used for this purpose are used by the traffic signal controller (computer) to detect whether or not a vehicle is present at a traffic signal in any one direction. They do not record and they are not monitored.

The second type of camera is used for the City's ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) for traffic monitoring. These types of cameras are currently installed at various locations along Auburn Way South. In fact, you can view the current images before traveling by checking the Real-Time Traffic Conditions page. These cameras are monitored during Amphitheater events and other events or incidents causing abnormally high volumes on Auburn Way South to allow our Signal Operations Group to modify traffic signal timing as needed. The City of Auburn does not archive or retain any of the images from the traffic cameras.

The City has a "pothole patrol" that will promptly fix potholes that develop on any street throughout the City. To report a pothole, please use the Online Reporting tool, or call the Pothole Patrol at 253-931-3048. If leaving a message, please indicate the specific location of the pothole (street, cross streets, etc.) Also, a contact number is helpful but not required.

During and after a snowstorm, city work crews plow and sand streets on a prioritized basis. Priorities are based on traffic volumes and street grades. Many local residential streets are not plowed during any event. The City maintains a snow and ice route map identifying priority streets and possible road closures.

Property owners are responsible for clearing the sidewalk in front of their properties of snow, ice, and vegetation. The City is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk pavement. The City has an annual sidewalk repair and replacement program to make minor repairs to sidewalks throughout the City. If you know of a sidewalk that is in poor condition and may be a tripping hazard, please contact Public Works at 253-931-3010. However, if damage to a sidewalk is caused by vegetation on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to repair.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining the landscape strip in front of their properties even though it is located within the City owned right-of-way. If you wish to plant a tree or significant vegetation in your landscape strip, please Use the Online Reporting system. We will conduct a field visit to ensure the vegetation will not block the view of drivers approaching the street and may consult with other staff to determine what types of vegetation may be appropriate for the location.

Yes, if you live on a public street other drivers may park on the street in front of your property for a period not to exceed 72 hours (ACC 10.36.260) unless otherwise restricted by city code. Auburn city code details circumstances in which parking in general is prohibited or restricted. The City does not regulate parking on private streets except to ensure access for fire and other emergency vehicles.

You may need a permit if conducting an activity or placing an unusual object in the street for a period of time. Please refer to the application forms section or contact Amber Olds, Right-of-way Specialist, or call at 253-804-3120.

If you are having trouble adequately seeing oncoming traffic upon entering a street, it may be due to overgrown vegetation or another obstruction in your line of sight. Upon request, city staff will conduct a field visit to assess whether there are visual obstructions that could inhibit a driver's ability to safely enter a roadway. If there is a line of site problem, the City will undertake all feasible efforts to remedy the issue, including trimming vegetation or requiring other objects to be moved. Please Use the Online Reporting system to request a field visit.

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