The infraction or offense of speeding is committed when the driver of a motor vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit or exceeds the speed limit that is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances or conditions—such as the road (straight, curved, wet, dry, icy, flat, hilly); the weather (clear, foggy, raining, snowing); and the visibility (smoke from a grass fire or a tractor trailer obstructing the view).

Speeding laws (and enforcement) vary from state to state and among cities and towns (local ordinances) and are usually located in a state’s statutes. The penalty for speeding is usually a fine and demerit points added to the driver’s license or driving record.

To measure the speed of a moving vehicle and issue speeding tickets, police officers generally use radar guns that rely on radio signals and the Doppler Effect, or Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology that relies on lasers rather than radio waves. These devices require training on their proper use and regular calibration to be accurate.

In Georgia, the offense of speeding occurs when a driver operates a vehicle at a speed greater than the posted speed limit or at a speed that is not reasonable and prudent given the current conditions, such as road characteristics, weather, and visibility. Georgia's speeding laws are codified in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) and include specific speed limits for different types of roads and areas, such as school zones and construction zones. Penalties for speeding in Georgia typically involve fines, which can vary depending on how much the driver exceeded the speed limit, and points added to the driver's license, which can lead to higher insurance premiums and, with accumulation, to license suspension. Law enforcement officers in Georgia use radar and LIDAR technology to measure vehicle speeds. These devices are subject to regulations regarding their use, including requirements for officer training and device calibration, to ensure accurate speed measurements. Failure to properly use or maintain these devices can be a defense to a speeding charge.