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 Hawaii, the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children and pedestrians. The state's statutes specify that drivers must adhere to the posted speed limits within school zones, which are typically lower than other areas to ensure the safety of children. These limits are especially enforced during the times when children are arriving at or leaving school. The conditions of the road, weather, visibility, and the presence of children are all factors that can affect what is considered a reasonable and prudent speed. Penalties for speeding in a school zone in Hawaii are more severe than for general speeding offenses. They often include higher fines and the possibility of additional demerit points on the driver's license. The exact fine and points can vary depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a repeat violation. Local ordinances may also impose further restrictions and penalties, so it's important for drivers to be aware of the specific laws in their municipality.