Who has the authority to regulate a highway under its jurisdiction?

Local authorities hold the primary responsibility for regulating highways under their jurisdiction. This includes setting speed limits, establishing traffic control devices, and enacting laws related to parking and road usage. Local authorities are best positioned to address the specific needs and conditions of their communities, enabling them to create rules and regulations that accommodate local traffic patterns, population density, and community safety concerns.

While the federal government and state agencies do play vital roles in the broader regulation of highways—such as through establishing general safety standards, funding, and interstate commerce guidelines—the operational and regulatory authority on local roads typically resides with local government entities. Private entities, such as organizations or companies, do not have the jurisdiction to regulate public highways and can only work within the parameters set by the authorities in charge.