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 South Dakota, the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken seriously due to the increased risk to children and pedestrians. The specific regulations and penalties for speeding in a school zone are outlined in the state's traffic laws. Typically, these laws set forth reduced speed limits during certain times when children are likely to be present, such as when school is beginning or ending. The exact speed limit can vary, but it is often significantly lower than the standard limit for the area. Drivers caught exceeding this limit can face higher fines and additional demerit points on their driving record compared to standard speeding offenses. The increased penalties serve as a deterrent to encourage drivers to exercise greater caution in these sensitive areas. Local municipalities may also enact ordinances that further define and enforce speeding in school zones, potentially adding to the state-level penalties.