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 Virginia (VA), speeding in a school zone is considered a serious traffic infraction. The Commonwealth imposes strict speed limits in school zones during certain times when children are likely to be present, typically during school opening and closing hours. The exact speed limit can vary, but it is often significantly lower than the regular speed limit for the area. Drivers caught exceeding the school zone speed limit or driving at a speed that is not reasonable given the conditions (such as weather, road, and visibility) can face enhanced penalties. These penalties often include higher fines, which can be double the standard amount for speeding infractions, and the addition of demerit points to the driver's record. Accumulating too many demerit points can lead to further consequences, such as mandatory driver improvement classes or even suspension of the driver's license. It's important for drivers to be vigilant and adhere to posted speed limits, especially in school zones, to ensure the safety of children and to avoid these increased penalties.