TEA Traffic Enforcement Agent Summons Issuance Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A TEA observes a vehicle with out-of-state plates parked in violation. Does the TEA have authority to issue a summons?
- No — out-of-state vehicles can only be ticketed by state police
- Yes — parking regulations apply to all vehicles regardless of the state of registration (Correct answer)
- Only if the vehicle has been parked for more than one hour
- Yes, but only for meter violations, not signage violations
Correct answer: Yes — parking regulations apply to all vehicles regardless of the state of registration
Parking regulations apply to all vehicles using public streets within a jurisdiction, regardless of where the vehicle is registered.
Question 2: What information must a TEA record when marking a tire for an overtime parking check?
- The vehicle's VIN number and color only
- The license plate number, tire position marked, and exact time of marking (Correct answer)
- Only the license plate number and the TEA's badge number
- The vehicle make, model, and estimated value
Correct answer: The license plate number, tire position marked, and exact time of marking
Accurate records of the plate, which tire was marked, and the precise time are essential to prove the duration of the parking violation.
Question 3: A TEA encounters a vehicle parked in a bus stop. The driver states they were only stopped for two minutes. What is the correct response?
- Accept the driver's explanation and do not issue a summons
- Issue a summons because bus stop violations are typically enforced regardless of duration (Correct answer)
- Issue only a warning for stops under five minutes
- Ask the driver to move and monitor whether the vehicle returns
Correct answer: Issue a summons because bus stop violations are typically enforced regardless of duration
Bus stop zones are No Standing areas and the summons is valid regardless of how briefly the vehicle was stopped, as duration is not a legal defense.
Question 4: When a TEA's summons book or device shows a summons was previously issued to the same vehicle on the same block that day, what should the agent do?
- Do not issue another summons since the vehicle was already cited
- Issue a new summons if a new or continued violation exists, as multiple summonses for separate violations are permissible (Correct answer)
- Contact a supervisor before issuing a second summons
- Issue only a warning since the vehicle owner has already been notified
Correct answer: Issue a new summons if a new or continued violation exists, as multiple summonses for separate violations are permissible
Multiple summonses can be issued to the same vehicle on the same day if separate violations are observed — a prior summons does not grant immunity.
Question 5: A vehicle is parked at an expired meter but has a funeral home placard displayed. What should a TEA typically do?
- Issue a summons since funeral placards do not grant parking exemptions
- Check agency regulations — some jurisdictions exempt active funeral procession vehicles but not general use (Correct answer)
- Automatically exempt the vehicle and move on
- Contact the funeral home to verify the placard before making a decision
Correct answer: Check agency regulations — some jurisdictions exempt active funeral procession vehicles but not general use
Exemptions for funeral vehicles vary by jurisdiction and typically apply only to active procession vehicles — TEAs must know their local agency rules.
Question 6: What does a TEA do if a posted sign appears to be missing, damaged, or obstructed, making it unclear whether a parking restriction applies?
- Issue a summons since the driver is responsible for knowing local regulations
- Use caution — do not issue a summons if signage is unclear or missing, and report the damaged sign to the appropriate agency (Correct answer)
- Assume the most restrictive regulation applies and issue a summons accordingly
- Issue a warning and direct the driver to move immediately
Correct answer: Use caution — do not issue a summons if signage is unclear or missing, and report the damaged sign to the appropriate agency
If signage is unclear, missing, or obstructed, TEAs should generally not issue a summons for that restriction and should report the sign issue to the appropriate city department.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes the appeals process a vehicle owner may use after receiving a parking summons?
- The owner must appear in person at a police precinct within 24 hours
- The owner may contest the summons by mail, online, or in person at a designated adjudication hearing, typically within 30 days (Correct answer)
- The owner must pay the fine first and then apply for a refund if successful
- Summonses issued by TEAs cannot be contested once issued
Correct answer: The owner may contest the summons by mail, online, or in person at a designated adjudication hearing, typically within 30 days
Vehicle owners have the right to contest parking summonses through an administrative adjudication process by mail, online, or in person within the posted deadline.
TEA Traffic Enforcement Agent Summons Issuance Procedures 5
A TEA observes a vehicle with out-of-state plates parked in violation.
Does the TEA have authority to issue a summons?