Police may thoroughly search the passenger compartment of a vehicle immediately after the arrest of the driver if they have a reason to believe there is evidence in the car related to the crime for which they just arrested the driver.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is known as the "search incident to arrest" exception to the Fourth Amendment's warrant requirement. However, the scope of the search is limited to the passenger compartment and does not allow a search of the trunk or other areas outside the driver's immediate reach.

Police May Thoroughly Search the Passenger Compartment of a Vehicle