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 Maryland, the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children and other pedestrians. Maryland law stipulates reduced speed limits in school zones during specific times when children are likely to be present, typically during school opening and closing hours. Drivers are required to adhere to the posted speed limits, which are often significantly lower than the regular speed limits on adjacent roadways. The fines for speeding in a school zone in Maryland are generally higher than for standard speeding violations. Additionally, points may be added to the driver's license, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. The exact penalties can vary depending on the speed over the limit and other factors, but the intent is to deter speeding in these sensitive areas and ensure the safety of schoolchildren.