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 New Hampshire, speeding in a school zone is considered a serious traffic offense. The state has specific statutes that define the limits and penalties for speeding in school zones. Typically, these zones have reduced speed limits during certain times of the day when children are likely to be present, such as when school is starting or ending. The exact speed limit can vary, but it is often significantly lower than the regular speed limit for the area. Drivers are expected to exercise increased caution and adhere to the posted speed limits, taking into account various conditions such as road characteristics, weather, visibility, and the presence of children. Penalties for speeding in a school zone in New Hampshire are more severe than for general speeding offenses and can include higher fines, the addition of demerit points to the driver's license, and potentially even license suspension for egregious violations. The intent behind these stiffer penalties is to ensure the safety of children in these areas. Local municipalities may also enact ordinances that further regulate speeding in school zones within their jurisdictions.