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 Georgia, the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children and pedestrians. Under Georgia law, school zones are clearly marked with signage indicating the reduced speed limits that are typically in effect during specific times when children are arriving at or leaving school. The speed limit in these zones is often 25 miles per hour, but this can vary. Drivers caught exceeding the speed limit in a school zone can expect to face higher fines and additional penalties compared to regular speeding violations. The fines can be doubled in school zones, and points will 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 the county in which the infraction occurs. It's important for drivers to be vigilant and adhere to the posted speed limits, especially in school zones, to ensure the safety of children and to avoid these increased penalties.