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 Arkansas, the offense of speeding in a school zone is addressed under Arkansas Code Annotated § 27-51-212. This statute specifically outlines the regulations for driving in school zones, including the requirement to adhere to the posted speed limits during certain times when children are present, typically during school hours or when warning lights are flashing. The law takes into account the safety of children and may impose stricter penalties for violations within a school zone compared to regular speeding infractions. Penalties for speeding in a school zone in Arkansas typically include higher fines and additional points on the driver's license, which can lead to increased insurance rates and potential suspension of driving privileges for accumulating too many points. It is important for drivers to be vigilant and reduce speed in school zones to comply with the law and ensure the safety of children.