TEA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield TEA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A TEA needs to describe a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run. Which detail is LEAST useful to note first? → Number of occupants
2. In most U.S. jurisdictions, how long does a motorist typically have to respond to or contest a parking summons? → 30 days
3. The word 'stated' in a report (e.g., 'The motorist stated that the meter was broken') indicates: → The motorist's account is being reported without confirming its accuracy
4. Which map symbol most commonly indicates a one-way street? → A single-headed arrow
5. When a dispatcher provides a location address, the correct procedure for a Traffic Enforcement Agent is to: → Acknowledge and repeat the address back to confirm accuracy
6. When an agent must describe a vehicle color in a report and the color is ambiguous (e.g., between blue and green), the BEST approach is to: → Record the color as observed and note the uncertainty (e.g., 'blue-green')
7. An officer issues 14 parking citations on Monday, 9 on Tuesday, and 17 on Wednesday. What is the average number of citations issued per day? → 13
8. You have just issued a summons when the vehicle owner returns and becomes verbally aggressive. What should you do? → Remain calm, do not argue, and call for police assistance if necessary
9. Which of the following approaches an intersection in a safe manner? → Travelling at a speed that will allow you to stop, if required
10. An officer's shift runs from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. How many paid hours does the officer work? → 7.5 hours
11. A TEA finds a summons book that is nearly full. The agent should: → Request a new book and continue using the current one until exhausted
12. A vehicle displaying a disabled parking placard is parked in a metered space. In most U.S. jurisdictions, the driver is: → Exempt from meter payment in many states but still subject to safety restrictions
13. Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of the 'remarks' section on an enforcement report form? → To record any unusual circumstances or additional details relevant to the incident
14. A TEA notices that the same parking spot generates violations every Friday afternoon but not on other days. What is the MOST reasonable inductive inference? → A Friday-specific event or condition is attracting violators to that spot
15. A driver claims they were only parked for two minutes. The TEA chalked the tires 30 minutes earlier. What is the most defensible TEA response? → Point to the chalk mark and note the documented observation time
16. A vehicle is found parked in a no-parking zone with a note on the windshield explaining a family emergency. How should a TEA respond? → Issue the citation, as personal circumstances do not negate a parking violation
17. Why is it important for a Traffic Enforcement Agent to monitor the radio channel continuously while on patrol? → To stay aware of developing situations, officer safety alerts, and dispatch assignments
18. An officer's report states: 'The vehicle's front bumper was located approximately 3 feet past the crosswalk line.' This type of statement is best described as: → An objective observation
19. What does a red curb indicate? → No stopping, standing, or parking at any time
20. A tow company charges $95 for towing plus $35 per day for storage. If a vehicle is towed on Day 1 and retrieved on Day 4, what is the total charge? → $200
21. A TEA is issuing a summons and the registered owner approaches and becomes verbally aggressive. What is the proper response? → Remain calm, complete the summons, and request police assistance if necessary
22. Which of the following vehicles is generally exempt from alternate-side parking regulations in many U.S. cities? → Vehicles displaying a valid disability placard
23. If a Traffic Enforcement Agent witnesses a serious crime in progress, their FIRST action should be: → Radio for sworn police backup immediately
24. When a Traffic Enforcement Agent observes a vehicle with heavily tinted windows that may violate state law, what should the agent do? → Refer the matter to a sworn law enforcement officer
25. Which sentence best demonstrates proper written expression for an enforcement report? → Vehicle was observed in violation of parking restrictions within 15 feet of fire hydrant.
26. Which detail must ALWAYS appear on every parking summons issued? → The TEA's shield/badge number
27. A Traffic Enforcement Agent should AVOID which of the following when writing enforcement reports? → Including personal opinions about the violator
28. An impound fee is $150 for the first day and $45 for each additional day. A vehicle is impounded for 6 days total. What is the total impound fee? → $375
29. Which of the following best describes the term 'cardinal directions'? → North, South, East, West
30. A TEA observes a vehicle parked at a fire hydrant. How much clearance must be maintained from the hydrant under typical municipal rules? → 15 feet