{"id":355893,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/traffic\/traffic-stops\/when-can-the-police-search-your-car.html"},"modified":"2023-11-13T15:13:31","modified_gmt":"2023-11-13T20:13:31","slug":"when-can-the-police-search-your-car","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-stops\/when-can-the-police-search-your-car.html","title":{"rendered":"When Can the Police Search Your Car?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When Can the Police Search Your Car?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Many drivers treat their motor vehicles as a home away from home. You might consider your car to be a semi-private place where you can keep personal items safe while you’re out.<\/p>\r\n

Yet, a traffic stop for a traffic violation can put this privacy at risk. A vehicle search could lead to criminal charges in some circumstances.<\/p>\r\n

You might choose to allow or deny a search of your car. Know what to expect if a law enforcement officer tells you they want to investigate.<\/p>\r\n

Drivers’ Fourth Amendment Rights<\/h2>\r\n

The Fourth Amendment’s protection against unlawful search and seizure<\/a> makes arbitrary police searches illegal. An officer first must have reason to believe you committed a crime, such as driving under the influence (DUI<\/a>). Without your permission or a valid reason, an illegal search violates your constitutional rights.<\/p>\r\n

The law generally gives police more leeway to search vehicles than other property types like homes. The search warrant rule has an automobile exception<\/a>. This exception means you have a lower expectation of privacy under the law when driving a car.<\/p>\r\n

The automobile exception addresses public safety concerns such as drunk driving or excessive speeding. Driving is a privilege, and vehicles can cause significant injuries.<\/p>\r\n

Reasons for a Police Search<\/h2>\r\n

A police officer can conduct a search of your vehicle<\/a> under the following circumstances:<\/p>\r\n