In the event that a police officer has stopped a car on a freeway, each party has certain rights and responsibilities that must be protected. On one hand there is the Fourth Amendment that ensures against any unlawful search or seizure against a citizen.
Yet there are circumstances and parameters that allows a police officer to request and conduct a search of a car, bike, truck or any type of vehicle.
Here we will discuss instances where those searches can take place in the eyes of the law within the United States.
When You Have Consented To The Search
If the officer has asked the driver if they can search the vehicle, then they have one of two options. The first is to refuse, a response that is lawful without a warrant present. The other is simply to oblige and consent to the search.
In The Instance of An Arrest
A citizen that has been arrested where a vehicle is presented will likely see a search take place. Given the potential for evidence to be located within the car, this is simply a means of following basic protocol.
When The Police Officer Believes They Are Under Threat
A stipulation that has been contested by certain citizens that feel a strong degree of subjectivity has occurred, there are rights for police to conduct a search should they believe that their own wellbeing is under threat.
When The Officer Has Obtained a Search Warrant
Having been in contact with a judge or higher ranking law official, a valid warrant that identifies a particular vehicle gives police the power to search the car within a certain time period.
When an Officer Believes There is Probable Cause To Find Evidence Pertaining To a Crime
Should there be contraband, blood or something else that could potentially indicate evidence of a crime, then a law enforcement official has the ability to conduct a search of a vehicle.
Talking Points
Should you find yourself in a position whereby a law enforcement official makes a request, there are some steps you can take that are perfectly legal and legitimate. This includes denying the request outright in the absence of a warrant to asserting your Fifth Amendment rights to not comment on the matter. The other is simply to be calm and comply with a request without making any actions that would alert a police officer to any potentially threatening or criminal activity.