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 Oregon, the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children and other pedestrians. Oregon law stipulates reduced speed limits in school zones during certain times, typically when children are present at the beginning and end of the school day, as well as during lunchtime and other specified times. The exact speed limit can vary, but it is often 20 miles per hour. Drivers are expected to adhere to these limits and to drive with additional caution given the potential presence of children. The fines for speeding in a school zone in Oregon are indeed higher than for non-school zone violations. Additionally, the state may impose other penalties such as increased demerit points on the driver's license, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. It's important for drivers to be aware of and comply with the specific school zone speed limits to avoid these enhanced penalties.