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 Missouri, the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children. The state's statutes dictate that drivers must adhere to the posted speed limits within school zones, which are typically lower during school hours when children are arriving or departing. The exact speed limits and times of enforcement can vary by municipality, but they are clearly marked in school zones. Penalties for speeding in a Missouri school zone are indeed more severe than for regular speeding violations. They can include higher fines, which may double in some jurisdictions, and points added to the driver's license, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. Additionally, repeated offenses or excessive speeds can result in even stiffer penalties, potentially including license suspension. It's important for drivers to be vigilant and reduce speed accordingly in these areas to ensure the safety of schoolchildren and to avoid these increased penalties.