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 New York State, the offense of speeding is defined as driving at a speed exceeding the posted speed limit or driving at a speed that is not reasonable and prudent under the given conditions, such as road characteristics, weather, and visibility. New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) outlines the regulations and penalties associated with speeding. Penalties for speeding can include fines, points on the driver's license, and potentially increased insurance rates. The amount of the fine and the number of points assessed depend on how much the driver exceeds the speed limit. For instance, speeding up to 10 mph over the limit may result in 3 points, while speeding more than 40 mph over the limit can lead to 11 points, which could trigger a license suspension. Police officers in New York use radar guns and LIDAR technology to measure vehicle speeds. These devices must be properly calibrated and the officers must be trained in their use to ensure accurate readings. If a driver accumulates 11 points or more within an 18-month period, their driving privileges may be suspended. Additionally, New York operates under a 'Driver Responsibility Assessment' program, which requires drivers who accumulate 6 or more points on their record within an 18-month period to pay an additional fee.