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 California, the offense of speeding in a school zone is addressed under California Vehicle Code Section 22352(b), which stipulates lower speed limits when driving within 500 to 1000 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street. The speed limit is typically 25 mph but can be as low as 15 mph in certain conditions. Drivers must also adhere to the 'basic speed law' which mandates driving at a safe speed for the given conditions, regardless of the posted limit. The fines for speeding in a school zone in California are higher than for standard speeding violations and can also include additional penalties such as points on the driver's license, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. The exact fine and number of points can vary depending on the driver's speed and other factors. It's important to note that local ordinances may impose additional restrictions and penalties, so drivers should be aware of the specific laws in their area.