Legal Question in Traffic Law in Wisconsin

Running vehicle plates is a common activity for officers which has historically been allowed. Perhaps a more interesting question is whether or not mass computerized visual plate scans of all vehicles traveling on the freeway is also legal. There might be might be an argument that the technological assist from the computer is unduly intrusive to the point where a showing of probable cause might be required. I have not seen case law on this issue, but courts have limited technological probes such as infrared scans through walls as unduly intrusive. My best guess, however, is that simply running the computer check on information which is visible to the naked I would be allowed by most courts. Please do not assume that I am your attorney because of my response here. Call my office in Racine (262-633-3090 or email [email protected]) for clarifications or to make arrangements to retain me. Otherwise, I will not be taking any action on your case. See me on the web at www.jayknixonlaw.com. View over fifteen years of my past answers at http://www.lawguru.com/answers/search/attorney/jknixon. Answers may contain attorney advertising materials..