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 Idaho, the offense of speeding in a school zone is addressed under Idaho Statutes. Drivers are required to adhere to the posted speed limits in school zones, which are typically lower during school hours when children are present. The specific speed limits can vary, but they are often set at 20 miles per hour during these times. Fines for speeding in a school zone in Idaho are generally higher than for standard speeding violations to emphasize the importance of protecting children's safety. Additionally, points may be added to the driver's record, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. The exact penalties can vary depending on the jurisdiction within the state and the driver's speed relative to the posted limit. It's important for drivers to be aware of and comply with school zone speed limits to ensure the safety of children and to avoid the increased penalties associated with these infractions.