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 Delaware, the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children and pedestrians. The state has specific laws that dictate reduced speed limits in school zones during certain times, typically when children are arriving at or leaving school. The speed limits are clearly posted, and drivers are expected to adhere to these limits. If a driver exceeds the posted speed limit in a school zone in Delaware, they can expect to receive a fine that is significantly higher than for standard speeding violations. Additionally, points may be added to the driver's license, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. The exact penalties can vary depending on the driver's speed and other circumstances of the violation. It's important for drivers to be especially cautious and reduce their speed in school zones to comply with Delaware's traffic safety laws and to ensure the safety of schoolchildren and other pedestrians.