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 Indiana, the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children and pedestrians. Under Indiana law, school zones are typically marked with signage indicating the speed limit, which is often reduced during school hours when children are likely to be present. The specific speed limits and times of enforcement can vary by locality, but drivers are expected to exercise caution and adhere to the posted limits. Violating the speed limit in a school zone can result in increased fines and penalties compared to standard speeding infractions. Additionally, points may be added to the driver's license, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. The exact fines and penalties can vary depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a repeat violation. It's important for drivers to be aware of and comply with local school zone speed regulations to ensure the safety of children and avoid the more severe consequences of speeding in these areas.