Final answer:
Traffic laws, including speed limits, are enforced by state and local police whose authority extends to their respective jurisdictions. They ensure drivers adhere to the road safety regulations, with state police overseeing highways and local authorities handling more localized areas. While there is some leeway with enforcement, clear violations of speed limits can lead to penalties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Speed limits and all other traffic laws are enforced by various law enforcement agencies, depending on their jurisdiction. State police enforce laws on a statewide level, which includes overseeing traffic regulations on highways. On a more local scale, county police or local law enforcement authorities have the responsibility within their designated areas, such as within a particular town or county. Enforcement ensures that all drivers adhere to the mandated speed limits, thereby maintaining road safety across different regions. For example, if a driver exceeds the speed limit, they may be subject to a traffic stop and potentially issued a speeding ticket by the police officer as part of their duty. However, this authority is specific to law enforcement activities and does not extend to personal favors or requests.
Citizen interactions with law enforcement, such as complying with traffic stops, reflect a recognition of legitimate authority and the expectation to follow the law. In cases where conformity costs are experienced, such as when drivers prefer to drive faster than the legal speed limit, these costs represent the difference between preferred speeds and those legally allowed. While there is some tolerance in enforcement, such as a slight speedometer discrepancy or de facto speed limits, clear violations can lead to penalties. Furthermore, traffic laws and speed limits represent government policies aimed at reducing transaction costs but increase conformity costs for the public.