Legal Question in Traffic Law in Iowa

I was pulled over today for speeding about 20 miles north of Des Moines, Iowa. I was going 80 in a 70 and so were the two cars ahead of me and behind me. All three of us got pulled over and each of us were ticketed. They were waiting about a mile ahead of when we were speeding. When they told us about speeding, I asked how they knew, and they said they had airplane surveillance tracking us. I looked up similar events and in California it is illegal to base traffic violations on airplane surveillance. Is this true in Iowa and can I get out of the fine? or am I just screwed along with the other drivers. Thank you very much.

P.S. There was no sign in the area saying "decrease speed", "speed trap", or "airplane surveillance" in a 15 mile radius of this event.


Asked on 7/27/09, 9:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

Aircraft surveillance is legal in Iowa. It's kind of surprising that it is prohibited in California-I checked-because it is a simple time/speed/distance equation like the ones school kids learn in algebra every day.

There's no requirement that you should be advised that vehicle enforcement is taking place.

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Answered on 7/27/09, 9:16 pm


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