Law enforcement officers with probable cause to search a motor vehicle may not inspect passengers' belongings found in the vehicle even though those belongings are capable of concealing the object of the search.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Law enforcement officers with probable cause have the authority to search the entire vehicle, including any containers or belongings found in the vehicle, that may potentially contain the object of the search. The search may extend to passengers' belongings found in the vehicle if they are in the area of the vehicle subject to the search. However, if the officers do not have probable cause to search the passengers or their belongings, they cannot search them without a separate warrant or consent from the passengers.

Law Enforcement Officers with Probable Cause to Search a Motor