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 Florida, the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children and other pedestrians. Florida Statutes specifically address speeding in school zones and mandate reduced speed limits during certain times when children are likely to be present, typically during school hours or when a signal indicates the presence of children. The exact speed limits can vary, but they are clearly posted in these zones. Fines for speeding in a school zone in Florida are significantly higher than for regular speeding offenses. Additionally, the state imposes a mandatory doubling of the standard speeding fine for violations in a school zone. Points will also be added to the driver's license, which can affect insurance rates and, with enough points, can lead to license suspension. In some cases, depending on the severity of the offense or if it leads to an accident, more severe penalties could apply, including criminal charges.