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 Maine, the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children. The specific regulations and penalties are outlined in Maine's statutes. Drivers are expected to adhere to the posted speed limits within school zones, which are typically lower than other areas to ensure the safety of children. These limits are especially enforced during times when children are likely to be present, such as during school hours and when school activities are occurring. The penalties for violating these speed limits are indeed more severe than for standard speeding infractions. They can include increased fines, which may be doubled in some cases, and points added to the driver's license. The exact fine and number of points can vary depending on the extent to which the speed limit was exceeded and other circumstances of the violation. Additionally, repeat offenses can lead to even more severe penalties. It's important for drivers to be aware of and comply with these regulations to ensure the safety of school zones and to avoid these heightened penalties.