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 Nebraska, 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 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 when school is starting or ending. The conditions of the road, weather, visibility, and the presence of children are all factors that can affect what is considered a reasonable speed. Penalties for speeding in a school zone in Nebraska are more severe than for general speeding offenses. They often include higher fines and additional demerit points on the driver's license. The exact fine and points can vary depending on the specific jurisdiction within the state and the driver's speed relative to the posted limit. Some localities may also have ordinances that impose further penalties or fines for speeding in a school zone.