190 Iowa L. Rev. 2003 (2023)
Abstract
Iowa law enforcement agencies use routine vehicle roadblocks for a variety of purposes, some of which should no longer be permitted. This Note examines the history of Fourth Amendment analysis and the pertinent caselaw validating the use of routine vehicle roadblocks as a policing tactic. It further explores the use of routine vehicle roadblocks in Iowa and the relationship between Iowa’s courts and legislature on the matter. It presents data gathered from newspaper articles across the state to shed light on the issue. Further, this Note argues that the accessible data shows that the current construction of Iowa Code section 321K.1 is not restrictive enough to appropriately balance the interests of individuals and society. Thus, the Iowa Legislature should amend the first subsection of Iowa Code section 321K.1 to appropriately balance these interests.