Hearing the siren and seeing the flashing lights in your rearview mirror is already an anxiety-inducing experience. It becomes even more so if the police officer asks to search your vehicle.
Your first inclination may be to be helpful and cooperative. However, you need to understand your rights during a traffic stop before you consent.
What law enforcement doesn’t tell you
When law enforcement officers ask to search your vehicle, they will likely not inform you that you have the right to refuse. According to the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right for your home and your person to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. This constitutional right extends to your vehicle.
Therefore, if they don’t have a warrant or you refuse to give consent, the police generally can’t search your vehicle. However, there are exceptions:
- Law enforcement has probable cause to believe your vehicle contains evidence of a crime.
- Law enforcement thinks a hidden weapon or something else could pose a danger to them.
- Evidence of a crime is in plain view.
- You are under arrest, and the search is related to your arrest.
- Your vehicle has been towed to an impound lot.
If you have been stopped by law enforcement and they believe they have probable cause to search your vehicle, remember the following
- Don’t try to stop them or hinder their search
- Be polite and cooperative
- If possible, record the entire process
Understanding your constitutional rights can help prevent them from being violated. If you believe you have been the subject of an illegal vehicle search, having legal guidance can help you review your situation and provide options for moving forward is crucial.