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 West Virginia (WV), the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children and other pedestrians. The state's traffic laws dictate that drivers must adhere to the posted speed limits, especially in designated school zones during the times indicated, typically when children are arriving at or leaving school. The fines for speeding in a school zone in WV are typically higher than for other speeding offenses. Additionally, drivers may receive demerit points on their driving record, which can lead to increased insurance premiums and, with the accumulation of points, potential suspension of driving privileges. The specific penalties can vary depending on the speed over the limit and other factors, such as the presence of children. It's important for drivers to be aware of and comply with the specific speed limits and regulations when driving through school zones to ensure safety and avoid these increased penalties.