&gt; <i>Speeding is endemic in the US as well, and the penalties are onerous for pretty much everyone but the well-off.</i><p>No, they&#x27;re not. Perhaps in some states but not on average. I&#x27;m in Pennsylvania so can only use those numbers.[0] There is the base fine (which can be doubled if you&#x27;re in a work zone or an area with posted signs to that effect) and surcharges.<p><pre><code>  Fine (25-55mph&#x2F;40-90km&#x2F;hr zone): $45-95
  Fine (65 mph&#x2F;105km&#x2F;hr zone):     $44.50-102.50

  EMS Surcharge: $10
  JCP Surcharge: $10
  Court costs:   Varies, last ticket I got was in 2010 and I think it was $7.50
  MCARE:         $50 for speeding, additional surcharges for additional offenses (e.g. passing a stopped school bus)
</code></pre>
So let&#x27;s say you&#x27;re going <i>100 mph</i> (161 km&#x2F;hr) through a <i>construction zone</i>. Personally I&#x27;d like to see your car impounded if you do this, but you&#x27;re looking at a $275 ticket plus minimal court costs. Certainly under $300. Every ticket I&#x27;ve ever gotten has given me the option of paying over 12 months with no interest.<p>I don&#x27;t mean any of this to minimize your comment regarding selective enforcement. I&#x27;ve passed police who were doing speed enforcement at 15+ over the limit and seen others pulled over; I&#x27;ve been pulled over when there were others readily available going faster than me.<p>[0] <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.justdrivepa.org&#x2F;Resources&#x2F;TIPP%20Fine%20Card%20JAN%202009%20v1.pdf" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.justdrivepa.org&#x2F;Resources&#x2F;TIPP%20Fine%20Card%20JA...</a>