TEA Traffic Enforcement Written Comprehension 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A traffic code excerpt states: 'No vehicle shall block an intersection or crosswalk when traffic is congested.' A driver enters an intersection on a green light but traffic stops and the driver ends up blocking the box. This is:
- Legal because the driver had a green light when entering
- A violation because the driver blocked the intersection regardless of signal color (Correct answer)
- Only a violation if a pedestrian was in the crosswalk
- Legal if the driver clears the box within 30 seconds
Correct answer: A violation because the driver blocked the intersection regardless of signal color
The code prohibits blocking intersections when traffic is congested regardless of the signal color when the vehicle entered.
Question 2: A notice to agents states: 'Placards for persons with disabilities do not exempt vehicles from street cleaning, street sweeping, or tow-away zones.' A vehicle displaying a disability placard is found in a tow-away zone. The agent should:
- Exempt the vehicle due to the disability placard
- Issue a citation and arrange towing per standard procedure (Correct answer)
- Only issue a citation but not tow the vehicle
- Contact the DMV to verify the placard before acting
Correct answer: Issue a citation and arrange towing per standard procedure
The notice explicitly states disability placards do not exempt vehicles from tow-away zones.
Question 3: A regulation states vehicles parked in a loading zone may remain no longer than 20 minutes for active loading or unloading. An agent observes a vehicle in a loading zone. There is no driver visible and no loading activity for 25 minutes. The agent should:
- Wait until the driver returns to confirm they were loading
- Issue a citation for exceeding the 20-minute loading zone limit (Correct answer)
- Assume the driver is loading nearby and give more time
- Only cite if commercial goods are visible in the vehicle
Correct answer: Issue a citation for exceeding the 20-minute loading zone limit
No active loading or unloading for 25 minutes exceeds the 20-minute maximum, warranting a citation.
Question 4: An agent receives written instructions: 'Do not issue citations to vehicles displaying current Press credentials during major public events unless they are blocking emergency access.' A press vehicle is parked in a no-parking zone during a parade but is not blocking any emergency route. The agent should:
- Issue a citation because no-parking zones always apply
- Refrain from citing because the instructions exempt press vehicles during major events (Correct answer)
- Issue a warning but not a citation
- Tow the vehicle since it is in a no-parking zone
Correct answer: Refrain from citing because the instructions exempt press vehicles during major events
The written instructions exempt current-credentialed press vehicles during major public events unless blocking emergency access.
Question 5: A supervisor's memo states: 'All citation data must be entered into the handheld device within 30 minutes of issuance.' An agent issues a citation at 3:00 PM and enters the data at 3:45 PM. The agent has:
- Complied with the policy since the data was entered the same day
- Violated the 30-minute data entry requirement (Correct answer)
- Complied because 45 minutes is close to 30
- No violation if the system was offline at time of issuance
Correct answer: Violated the 30-minute data entry requirement
Entering data 45 minutes after issuance violates the memo's 30-minute requirement.
Question 6: A posted sign reads 'RESERVED PARKING — PERMIT A ONLY.' A vehicle with a Permit B placard is parked in the space. The agent should:
- Allow it since the driver has a valid parking permit
- Issue a citation because Permit B does not authorize parking in a Permit A zone (Correct answer)
- Check if Permit B holders are allowed on weekends
- Only warn the driver if they are present
Correct answer: Issue a citation because Permit B does not authorize parking in a Permit A zone
The space is reserved for Permit A holders; a Permit B placard does not authorize parking there.
Question 7: A training guide states: 'If a motorist becomes hostile or threatening, the agent should disengage, move to a safe location, and contact dispatch immediately.' An agent is confronted by an angry driver who begins shouting and moving aggressively toward the agent. The agent should:
- Stand firm and continue issuing the citation to show authority
- Disengage, move to a safe location, and radio dispatch (Correct answer)
- Physically restrain the driver until police arrive
- Apologize and void the citation to de-escalate
Correct answer: Disengage, move to a safe location, and radio dispatch
The training guide's protocol is to disengage, reposition safely, and contact dispatch — not to escalate or void citations.
TEA Traffic Enforcement Written Comprehension 4
A traffic code excerpt states: 'No vehicle shall block an intersection or crosswalk when traffic is congested.' A driver enters an intersection on a green light but traffic stops and the driver ends up blocking the box.
This is: