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 North Dakota, speeding in a school zone is considered a serious traffic offense due to the heightened risk to children and pedestrians. The specific regulations and penalties are outlined in the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC). According to NDCC 39-09-02, speed limits in school zones are typically lower during school hours when children are present, and signs are posted to notify drivers of the reduced speed limits. The exact speed limit can vary, but it is often set at 15 to 25 miles per hour. If a driver exceeds the posted speed limit in a school zone, they may face increased fines and more severe penalties compared to standard speeding violations. Additionally, demerit points may be added to the driver's record, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. The exact fine and number of points depend on how much the driver exceeded the speed limit and whether other aggravating factors were present, such as the presence of children in a crosswalk. It's important for drivers to be aware of and adhere to the posted speed limits, especially in school zones, to ensure the safety of all pedestrians and to avoid the harsher penalties associated with these infractions.