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editThe law may be put in place simply for symbolic reasons, but without actual prosecutions taking place.[3] For example speeding is illegal, but patrol officers usually ignore motorists who are 5-10 miles an hour over the legal limit.[4] Automated ticketing systems like computerized cameras will still issue fines in these circumstances in some but not all US states.
The paragraph doesn't establish when it is starting to talk specifically about the US. This norm is common in other countries.--Nngnna (talk) 09:12, 23 May 2019 (UTC)
- I think one needs to distinguish between Police or Judicial discretion, and "Unenforcement". In the speeding situation, a mobile enforcement officer may have to contend with more technical uncertainty with the speed measuring equipment being used than in a fixed speed measuring situation, so the speed tolerance may be higher as there is far more certainty that the law has been broken and enforcement is needed. There is also a risk versus effort consideration, as a motorist exceeding the speed limit just slightly poses a lower risk than one whose speed is clearly excessive and dangerous. Also, with speeding, the fines are often progressive and non-linear, so a small amount in excess attracts only a small fine, while a larger amount in excess attracts a much larger fine or even a loss of licence and imprisonment. This makes enforcing the law against the faster speeders far more likely, as the penalties emphasize where the risk lies. It is not that the law is "unenforced", it is that Police are weighing up the risks involved and exercising their power of discretion to enforce the law against the faster driver, while keeping the power to also penalize those who fail to realize the speed limit is a limit, not a target, and exceeding it by any amount is illegal. Often Police are seeking compliance with the law, which mean they might "Engage" with law-breakers to "Explain", "Educate"and "Encourage" compliance before resorting to "Enforcement". - Cameron Dewe (talk) 03:04, 25 April 2023 (UTC)