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 Michigan, the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children and other pedestrians. Michigan law stipulates reduced speed limits in school zones during school hours, including a half-hour before and after school, and when children are present. The exact speed limit can vary, but it is typically 25 miles per hour unless otherwise posted. Drivers are expected to adjust their speed not only to the posted limits but also to the conditions of the road, weather, visibility, and the presence of children. Penalties for speeding in a school zone in Michigan are more severe than for regular speeding offenses. They can include increased fines, which may be doubled in some cases, and points added to the driver's license. The specific fines and points can vary depending on the driver's speed relative to the speed limit and other factors. Local ordinances may also impose additional penalties or regulations regarding school zone speeding.