The infraction or offense of speeding in a school zone is committed when the driver of a motor vehicle in a marked school zone exceeds the posted speed limit or exceeds the speed limit that is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances or conditions—conditions such as the road (straight, curved, wet, dry, icy, flat, hilly); the weather (clear, foggy, raining, snowing); the visibility; and the presence of children in a crosswalk, for example.

Laws regarding speeding in a school zone vary from state to state and among cities and towns and are usually located in a state’s statutes and sometimes in local ordinances enacted by cities or towns.

The penalty for speeding in a school zone is usually a fine and demerit points added to the driver’s license or driving record. But the fines and penalties for speeding in a school zone are usually much greater than for a typical speeding ticket or citation.

In Alabama, the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children. The specific regulations and penalties can be found in the Alabama Code, which outlines the rules for driving in proximity to schools. The law stipulates reduced speed limits during certain times when children are likely to be present, typically at the beginning and end of the school day. Drivers must adhere to the posted speed limits, which are often significantly lower than the regular speed limits on surrounding roads. The conditions of the road, weather, visibility, and the presence of children are all factors that can affect what is considered a reasonable speed in these zones. Penalties for speeding in a school zone in Alabama typically include higher fines compared to standard speeding violations and may also result in demerit points being added to the driver's license. In some cases, additional penalties such as mandatory driving school or community service may be imposed. Local municipalities may have their own ordinances that further regulate speeding in school zones and impose additional penalties.