What percentage of the budget can legally come from speeding citations, if the speed limit is exceeded by 20 mph or more?

In many jurisdictions, the law places restrictions on how much of a local government's budget can be funded through fines, such as those from speeding citations. Specifically, when it comes to citations for exceeding the speed limit by a significant margin, such as 20 mph or more, the percentage typically allowed is aimed at preventing municipalities from relying excessively on revenue from penalties to fund their operations.

For the correct answer, which indicates that 35% of the budget can legally come from speeding citations in cases of exceeding the limit by 20 mph or more, this figure is derived from legislation that reflects a balance between public safety and financial viability. Such regulations are designed to discourage excessive speed through legal measures while also ensuring that local governments do not become overly dependent on these penalties as a significant source of revenue.

The reasoning for other options being lower percentages reflects more conservative limits, aimed at reducing potential incentives for law enforcement agencies or local governments to prioritize speed enforcement as a revenue-generating activity rather than focusing on public safety. The 35% figure recognizes the need for some level of funding derived from these citations, acknowledging that enforcement of traffic laws is a necessary function of government to maintain public safety on the roads.