TEA Traffic Enforcement Agent Written Comprehension 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A posted sign reads: 'NO PARKING 7AM-9AM MON-FRI.' A vehicle is parked there at 8:30 AM on a Saturday. What should the TEA do?
- Issue a parking summons immediately
- Allow the vehicle to remain; the restriction does not apply on Saturday (Correct answer)
- Place a warning notice on the vehicle
- Call for a tow truck
Correct answer: Allow the vehicle to remain; the restriction does not apply on Saturday
The restriction is only in effect Monday through Friday, so a vehicle parked there on Saturday is not in violation.
Question 2: According to standard TEA procedures, when writing a summons, what information is most critical to record accurately?
- The color and make of the vehicle only
- The license plate number, state, and exact location of the violation (Correct answer)
- The owner's name and home address
- The approximate value of the vehicle
Correct answer: The license plate number, state, and exact location of the violation
Accurate license plate number, state, and location are essential to properly identify the vehicle and the violation.
Question 3: A TEA reads the following instruction: 'Do not issue summonses to vehicles displaying valid handicapped placards in designated accessible spaces.' A vehicle with an expired placard is in an accessible space. What is the correct action?
- Allow it because a placard is displayed
- Issue a summons because the placard is expired and therefore not valid (Correct answer)
- Contact the driver before issuing any summons
- Ignore the violation since it involves a sensitive situation
Correct answer: Issue a summons because the placard is expired and therefore not valid
An expired placard is not a valid placard, so the vehicle does not meet the exemption criteria and is subject to a summons.
Question 4: A supervisor's memo states: 'All agents must log meal breaks in the field activity report.' An agent forgets to log a break. Which best describes the consequence?
- No consequence; meal breaks are personal time
- The agent is in violation of a written departmental procedure (Correct answer)
- The agent must reimburse the city for the break time
- The memo is advisory only and has no formal standing
Correct answer: The agent is in violation of a written departmental procedure
Failing to follow a written departmental procedure constitutes a violation of that policy regardless of intent.
Question 5: A sign states: 'STREET CLEANING TUE & FRI 11AM-1PM.' A TEA arrives at 11:15 AM on a Friday. Which vehicles may receive summonses?
- Only vehicles that have been there over one hour
- All vehicles parked on the affected side of the street (Correct answer)
- Only vehicles whose meters have expired
- No vehicles; the cleaning truck must pass first
Correct answer: All vehicles parked on the affected side of the street
Once the street cleaning restriction is in effect, all vehicles parked on the restricted side are in violation and subject to summons.
Question 6: A written directive states agents must photograph a vehicle before issuing a summons for a fire hydrant violation. An agent issues a summons without taking a photo. What problem could arise?
- None, because the summons itself is sufficient evidence
- The summons may be dismissed in adjudication due to missing required documentation (Correct answer)
- The vehicle owner will not be notified
- The violation code will be automatically upgraded
Correct answer: The summons may be dismissed in adjudication due to missing required documentation
Failing to follow required documentation procedures can result in the summons being dismissed when contested.
Question 7: A TEA reads: 'Vehicles with commercial plates loading or unloading may stand in a no-standing zone for up to 30 minutes.' A commercial truck has been there 45 minutes. What should the TEA do?
- Issue a summons because the 30-minute limit has been exceeded (Correct answer)
- Allow more time since commercial vehicles have unlimited loading privileges
- Call a tow truck immediately without issuing a summons
- Issue only a verbal warning
Correct answer: Issue a summons because the 30-minute limit has been exceeded
The vehicle exceeded the 30-minute exemption window and is now in violation of the no-standing regulation.
