Picture this: You’re stopped for speeding, and the police officer hands you a ticket with a smile. “Have a good day,” they say. Then they turn to leave. But just as you relax, they stop mid-stride, turn around, and ask, “By the way, where are you headed?” You just got hit with the “Kansas Two-Step,” a tactic designed to prolong stops and find reasons to search your car. If you don’t know your rights, answering the question could lead to a much bigger problem.

What is the “Kansas Two-Step?”

The Kansas Two-Step starts when an officer finishes the purpose of a traffic stop, such as issuing a warning or ticket. Instead of letting you leave, they step away and then return to ask unrelated questions. This tactic has drawn sharp criticism for violating Fourth Amendment rights.

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) relied heavily on the Two-Step to target drivers, especially those from states with legalized marijuana. A federal judge ruled the practice unconstitutional, stating that the KHP had waged a “war on motorists.” The judge wrote, “The war is basically a question of numbers: stop enough cars, and you’re bound to discover drugs. And what’s the harm if a few constitutional rights are trampled along the way?”

While the law is changing in Kansas, police in other states may still use the Kansas Two-Step to delay drivers.

Delaying stops to ask additional questions or call for a K-9 unit often crosses the line into unlawful detention. Virginia attorney Andrew Flusche emphasizes that such delays violate your rights. “Officers have a limited amount of time they’re allowed to hold you during a traffic stop,” Flusche explains. Once they conclude the original purpose of the stop, officers need reasonable suspicion to extend it.

Drivers often don’t realize they can leave once the initial purpose is complete. Police use small talk to create a false sense of obligation. The Kansas Two-Step exploits this confusion.

What you should do

If you’re stopped, focus on staying calm and providing only the essentials: license, registration, and proof of insurance. When the officer hands you a ticket or warning, ask, “Am I free to leave?” This forces them to clarify your status. If they confirm you can go, leave immediately without answering unrelated questions or consenting to a search.

Knowing your rights and staying assertive can protect you from tactics like the Kansas Two-Step. Keep your interactions focused, and resolve the stop quickly to avoid unnecessary trouble.