Police who have probable cause to search an automobile for illegal substances may also search personal possessions of passengers in the car.

Question

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The Supreme Court ruled in 1973 in United States v. Robinson that a search incident to a lawful arrest may extend to the personal possessions of the suspect. This includes items found in the passenger compartment of an automobile during a traffic stop if there is probable cause to search for illegal substances. Therefore, police may search personal possessions of passengers in the car if they have probable cause to search the car itself.

Police Who Have Probable Cause to Search an Automobile for Illegal