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 Minnesota, speeding in a school zone is a specific traffic offense that carries enhanced penalties compared to regular speeding violations. Under Minnesota law, the speed limit in school zones is typically 20 miles per hour during school days when children are present, though the limit may vary and should be clearly posted. Drivers are expected to adjust their speed to ensure safety, taking into account various conditions such as road characteristics, weather, visibility, and the presence of children. Penalties for speeding in a school zone in Minnesota include increased fines and the possibility of additional demerit points on the driver's license, which can impact insurance rates and driving privileges. The exact fine and number of points can vary depending on the driver's speed and other factors. It's important for drivers to be particularly cautious and adhere to posted speed limits in school zones to ensure the safety of children and to avoid these heightened penalties.