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 Illinois, the offense of speeding in a school zone is addressed under 625 ILCS 5/11-605 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. The law stipulates that the speed limit in a school zone is 20 miles per hour on school days between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. when children are present and signs are posted. Drivers must reduce their speed when approaching and passing the school zone or while children are present. The law takes into account various conditions such as the type of road, weather, visibility, and the presence of children. Penalties for speeding in a school zone in Illinois are indeed more severe than for non-school zone violations. Fines for the first offense can be up to $150 and for a second or subsequent offense up to $300. Additionally, the offense may result in points being added to the driver's license, which can affect insurance rates and potentially lead to license suspension if too many points are accumulated.