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 Rhode Island, the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children and pedestrians. The state has specific statutes that define the limits and penalties for such an infraction. Typically, the speed limit in school zones is reduced during certain times of the day when children are likely to be present, such as when school is starting or ending. Drivers are expected to adhere to the posted speed limits, which are often significantly lower than on surrounding roads. The penalties for speeding in a school zone in Rhode Island are indeed more severe than for general speeding offenses. They can include higher fines, which may be doubled in some cases, and the addition of demerit points to the driver's license. These penalties are designed to deter drivers from speeding in areas where children are likely to be present and to enhance the safety of school zones.