Federal Judge Bans 'Kansas Two-Step' Tactic by Highway Patrol

Injunction follows ruling that the practice violated constitutional rights, targeting drivers from states with legalized marijuana.

Federal Judge Kathryn H. Vratil has granted a permanent injunction prohibiting the Kansas Highway Patrol from using the 'Kansas Two-Step' tactic to detain out-of-state drivers in order to search their vehicles for illegal drugs.
The injunction follows Vratil's July ruling that determined the tactic violated drivers' constitutional rights against unreasonable searches.
The injunction requires the installation of cameras and audio in all marked and unmarked patrol cars, and mandates that troopers inform drivers that they can refuse or revoke consent for a search at any time.
The American Civil Liberties Union sued on behalf of three drivers and two passengers traveling from neighboring Colorado, which has legalized recreational marijuana use.
Judge Vratil concluded that the patrol targeted drivers traveling along Interstate 70 to or from states that have legalized either the medical or recreational use of marijuana.