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 Louisiana (LA), speeding in a school zone is a specific traffic offense that is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children and other pedestrians. The state statutes define school zones and prescribe lower speed limits during certain times when children are likely to be present, typically during school hours, and when warning lights are flashing. The exact speed limit can vary, but it is generally well-posted in these areas. Fines for speeding in a school zone in Louisiana are indeed higher than for standard speeding violations. Additionally, the state may impose demerit points on the driver's license, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. The specific penalties can also be influenced by how much the driver exceeded the speed limit and whether any other aggravating factors were present, such as the presence of children in a crosswalk. Local municipalities may have additional ordinances that further regulate speeding in school zones, potentially leading to even stricter penalties.