17 Parking Enforcement Officer Interview Questions and Answers

Parking enforcement officers, also known as parking control officers, are responsible for enforcing parking regulations in designated areas. This may include issuing tickets to vehicles that are parked illegally, directing traffic, and providing information to the public.

To become a parking enforcement officer, you will need to have a clean driving record, pass a background check, and complete a training program. Once you have met these requirements, you will be ready to apply for a job.

When you go to your job interview, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, experience, and skills. We have put together a list of sample parking enforcement officer interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Are you comfortable working on your feet for long periods of time?

Parking enforcement officers often spend their shifts patrolling a specific area, issuing tickets and collecting payments. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re physically capable of performing the job’s duties. In your answer, share that you have no problem standing for long periods of time. Explain that you are in good physical health and can handle the demands of the position.

Example: “Yes, I am very comfortable working on my feet all day. Throughout my career, I’ve worked as a server, so I’m used to being on my feet for hours at a time. I also enjoy exercising regularly, which has helped me stay fit and healthy. I feel like I could easily perform the duties of this position.”

What are some of the laws you have enforced in the past?

Parking enforcement officers must know the laws they enforce. This question helps employers see if you have experience with this type of work and how familiar you are with the local ordinances. When answering, list some of the most important laws you’ve enforced in your past job.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for enforcing all parking regulations within a city. Some of these included making sure vehicles were parked at least five feet from fire hydrants, no vehicles were left on the street overnight without a permit and that drivers didn’t park in handicap spots without proper identification. I also had to make sure drivers weren’t blocking sidewalks or driveways.”

How would you handle a situation where someone is hostile toward you while you are enforcing parking laws?

Parking enforcement officers often encounter situations where drivers are upset about receiving a parking ticket. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the interpersonal skills necessary to diffuse tense situations and keep yourself safe while on the job. In your answer, share two or three strategies that you use to calm angry drivers and diffuse conflict.

Example: “I’ve encountered many hostile drivers in my previous role as a parking enforcement officer. I find it helpful to remain calm and professional when drivers get upset with me. I try to listen to their concerns and explain why they received a citation. If someone is still upset after our conversation, I give them my business card so they can contact me later if they have any questions.”

What is your process for determining whether a vehicle has overstayed its allotted time in a parking lot or other area?

Parking enforcement officers must be able to determine whether a vehicle has overstayed its allotted time in a parking lot or other area. This question helps the interviewer assess your ability to use discretion and apply rules fairly. In your answer, describe how you would complete this task.

Example: “I first check the posted signs for any information about the maximum amount of time that vehicles are allowed to remain in the lot. If there is no sign indicating the limit, I look at my watch to see if it’s been more than two hours since the vehicle parked. If so, I write a citation.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to use your judgment to determine whether a vehicle was parked illegally.

Parking enforcement officers must use their judgment to determine whether a vehicle is parked illegally. This question allows the interviewer to assess your decision-making skills and how you apply them in the workplace. In your answer, describe the steps you take when determining if a vehicle is parked illegally.

Example: “When I’m on patrol and come across a vehicle that may be parked illegally, I first check for any parking signs or meters. If there are none, I then look at the time of day and make sure it’s within the legal window. Next, I check the license plate number against the registered owner to ensure they’re not expired. Finally, I walk around the vehicle to see if it’s parked too close to other vehicles or objects.”

If you saw a car parked illegally but couldn’t find the driver to issue a ticket, what would you do?

Parking enforcement officers must be able to recognize when a vehicle is parked illegally and issue tickets accordingly. However, they may sometimes encounter situations where the driver of the vehicle isn’t present or refuses to pay the ticket. In your answer, demonstrate that you understand how to handle these types of situations professionally.

Example: “If I couldn’t find the driver of the vehicle after searching for them, I would leave a note on their windshield explaining why I issued the ticket and instructing them to contact me if they have any questions. If the driver still doesn’t respond within 30 days, I would follow up with another letter informing them that I will report the unpaid ticket to collections if it isn’t paid by its due date.”

What would you do if you saw another parking enforcement officer breaking the law while on duty?

Parking enforcement officers are expected to follow the law while on duty. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand this responsibility and how you would handle it if a colleague broke the law. In your answer, explain that you would report them to your supervisor or another authority figure. You can also mention that you would support any parking enforcement officer who reported their colleague for breaking the law.

Example: “I believe that all parking enforcement officers should be held accountable for following the law while on duty. If I saw one of my colleagues break the law, I would report them to our supervisor so they could take appropriate action. I would also support any parking enforcement officer who reported their colleague for breaking the law.”

How well can you see at night without additional lighting or equipment?

Parking enforcement officers often work at night, so employers ask this question to make sure you can see well enough to do your job. If you have any vision problems that might affect your ability to perform the duties of a parking enforcement officer, be honest about them in your answer. Explain how you overcame these challenges or what accommodations you made to ensure you could still do your job effectively.

Example: “I have 20/20 vision and no other visual impairments. However, I understand that some people may not have perfect vision, so I am willing to wear glasses or contacts if necessary. In my previous position as a parking enforcement officer, I never had to use additional lighting or equipment because I was able to see clearly at night.”

Do you have a valid driver’s license?

Parking enforcement officers must have a valid driver’s license to perform their job duties. Employers ask this question to make sure you meet the minimum requirements for the position. In your answer, let them know that you do have a valid driver’s license and provide information about what type of license it is.

Example: “I do have a valid driver’s license. I have a Class C license, which means I can drive any vehicle with up to three axles. Having this license has helped me get to work on time every day. It also allows me to drive larger vehicles if needed.”

When is it appropriate to use your handheld or vehicle lights to alert other drivers or pedestrians of your location?

Parking enforcement officers may need to use their lights in a variety of situations, so it’s important that they understand when and how to do so. Your answer should show the interviewer that you know when to use your lights and why.

Example: “I only use my handheld or vehicle lights when I am actively issuing a parking ticket or warning. If I’m writing a citation, I’ll turn on my lights as soon as I approach the vehicle. This alerts other drivers and pedestrians that I’m working and helps ensure their safety. When I’m just issuing warnings, I’ll turn on my lights once I’ve finished speaking with the driver.”

We want to improve our response time to illegal parking. How would you improve your speed when responding to a complaint?

Parking enforcement officers must respond to complaints about illegal parking quickly. Employers ask this question to learn how you would improve the department’s response time if they have a problem with it. To answer this question, think of ways you could improve your speed without sacrificing accuracy.

Example: “I would use my knowledge of the city and its streets to find the quickest route to an illegally parked vehicle. I would also make sure that all of our officers are familiar with the fastest routes so we can get there as fast as possible. Another way I would improve our response time is by making sure all of our vehicles are in good working order. If one of our cars breaks down, it will take us longer to reach the scene.”

Describe your process for checking a vehicle for any violations after you issue a ticket.

Parking enforcement officers must follow a specific process for checking vehicles for violations after issuing tickets. This question helps employers understand how you’ll complete this important task on the job. In your answer, explain what steps you take to ensure you’re following company policies and procedures.

Example: “After I issue a ticket, I check the vehicle for any parking violations. If there are no visible violations, I leave the ticket in the driver’s side window. However, if I see an expired meter or other violation, I will write another ticket for that infraction. I also make sure to note the time of day when I issued the original ticket so I can be sure not to exceed my maximum number of tickets per shift.”

What makes you an ideal candidate to enforce parking laws?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and qualifications to perform the job duties. Use your answer to highlight your relevant experience, education or training and any unique qualities that make you a good fit for this role.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate because I understand how important it is to enforce parking laws in order to keep traffic moving smoothly. In my last position as a meter maid, I was responsible for ensuring drivers paid their meters before they parked. If they didn’t pay, I would issue them a ticket. This helped me develop strong communication and customer service skills, which are essential for this role.”

Which parking violations do you see the most?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience and knowledge in this role. It also helps them understand what you might be passionate about, which could make you more effective at your job. When answering this question, try to focus on violations that are common in your area.

Example: “In my last position, I saw the most expired meters. This was especially true during holidays when people would forget to feed their meter or run out of quarters. Another violation I often saw was vehicles parked too close to intersections. Drivers sometimes don’t realize how far back they need to park from crosswalks or stop signs. I always tried to educate drivers if I noticed it was their first time parking there.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of being a parking enforcement officer?

This question can help the interviewer determine what you value in your work and how it impacts others. Your answer should show that you understand the role of a parking enforcement officer and why it’s important to keep streets safe for drivers.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of being a parking enforcement officer is safety. When I’m on duty, my goal is to make sure everyone obeys traffic laws so they don’t put themselves or other drivers at risk. If someone doesn’t follow the rules, I’ll issue them a citation because it’s my responsibility to ensure public safety. It’s also important to me that I treat people fairly when issuing citations.”

How often do you issue tickets?

Parking enforcement officers are responsible for issuing tickets to vehicles that violate parking regulations. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the responsibility of this role and how it can affect others. In your answer, explain that you will issue a ticket only when necessary. Explain that you would rather educate drivers than penalize them.

Example: “I believe in educating drivers before I have to issue a ticket. If someone is parked illegally but they’re just running into a store quickly, I’ll give them a warning instead of a ticket. However, if they continue to park there after my warnings, then I will issue a ticket. I want people to know what the rules are so they don’t get a ticket by mistake.”

There is a vehicle parked illegally, but you don’t have a ticket for them. What do you do?

This question is a test of your ethics and integrity. Parking enforcement officers are expected to follow the rules, so employers want to make sure you will do this when working for them. Your answer should show that you would ticket the vehicle even if you don’t have a ticket on hand.

Example: “I would write down the license plate number and location of the vehicle. Then I would go back to my patrol car and run the plate through our system to see if it was registered as being parked illegally. If it wasn’t, then I would issue a citation. If it was, then I would just move along.”