Can a cop search your vehicle without your consent?

Answer 1

In the United States if a person is stopped they can NOT search your car without a warrant unless you consent, however if they suspect something they can. If anything is found they will have to prove that they had "just cause" without a warrant or consent or it will be thrown out. I worked in the Law Enforcement field for several years. Tried to make it as short, simple & to the point as I could. Hope it helps.

The most important thing about this question is what country you are referring to.

It depends upon the laws of the state, the reason the person was stopped and if the officer(s) had "just cause". The terms "just cause" or "suspicion of probability" can carry a broad legal definition. Therefore, the police can search a vehicle without permission. Whether anything found can be used as evidence in court is a different matter.

Answer

This is a question that I have been frequently asked. As previously stated, Laws vary from state to state, however all states must comply with the US Constitution in regards to the Fourth Amendment. The fourth amendment, to paraphrase, basically protects a person's right to be secure in their property and person, papers. Consent to search is needed for all vehicular searches unless exigent circumstance exists. The US Supreme Court recognizes and exception to the search warrant requirement in vehicles that a search extending only to a container within an automobile, may search the container without a warrant where they have probable cause to believe that it holds contraband or evidence. Carroll v. United States, 267 U.S. 132 -- in which the Court held that a warrant less search of an automobile, based upon probable cause to believe that the vehicle contained evidence of crime in the light of an exigency arising out of the vehicle's likely disappearance, did not contravene the Fourth Amendment's Warrant Clause -- provides one rule to govern all automobile searches. Separate doctrines have per warrantless search of an automobile to include a search of closed containers found inside the car when there is probable cause to search the vehicle, United States v. Ross, 456 U.S. 798, but warrantless warrantless search of a closed container located in a moving vehicle when there is probable cause to search only the container, Arkansas v. Sanders, 442 U.S. 753 Of course in some states and in particular the State of Indiana, a certified Police K-9 is considered probable cause to search a vehicle without a warrant, That is if the K9 indicated to the presence of a contra band substance. Hope this helps. SlyK9--- Sorry, Terry V Ohio is the basis of a frisk or a open hand pat down of a person for weapons the case started when an officer stopped a person standing near a jewellery store, where a robbery had occurred. The officer used flat open hands to pat down the suspect before questioning, to determine if the suspect had any weapons. A terry pat is for WEAPONS ONLY ON A PERSON!! It has nothing to do with a car search. Aside from that, "plain sight" probable cause will always allow a vehicle search, but only within the reasonable area that the occupant can reach. From there, a car can be towed, where an "inventory search" is performed. If contraband is found, a warrant will be issued for the search of the car, while it is impounded. So True. Sorry had the two mixed up for a moment. YES, if he/she has probable cause. But if they don't have a warrant then you can say no but odds are is that if they know you did something they will be getting that warrant soon. A K-9 alerting on a vehicle is considered by the Court to be probable cause. The Dog is tested and certified by the court to be reliable.

Answer

In the UK a police officer can stop and search a vehicle without consent (and therefore without warrant) under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000. (The article also allows for the officer to stop and search/question any person). If a person is arrested for a crime in or near their vehicle then it may again be searched without consent.

Answer

IF YOU ARE STOPPED IN YOUR CAR IN THE UNITED STATES

Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible. Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window part way and place your hands on the wheel.

Upon request, show police your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance.

If an officer or Immigration agent asks to look inside your car, you can refuse to consent to the search and ask for a warrant. But if police believe your car contains evidence of a crime, your car can be searched without your consent.

Both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent. If you are a passenger, you can ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, sit silently or calmly leave. Even if the officer says no, you have the right to remain silent.

Answer 2

If you are on a military base or most federal reservations, the answer is yes. (If you are attempting to gain entry to a base, you may choose to leave instead of having your vehicle checked.) Most bases display a warning stating this at all entrances.

State Reservations and private property vary based on the laws of that state.

Answer 3

yes a cop has the responsibility to search a park vehicle if he has visible evidence that something illegal is present in your car. as for your home he has to have a warrant unless in the same case visible evidence is in plain sight..