Learn when police may search cars, what rights you have to avoid a car search, and more.
Dealing With Police During Traffic Stops: What to Do If You Are Pulled Over
When a police officer begins to pull you over, what you do and say during a traffic stop can have a huge effect.
When Are Police Allowed to Search Your Vehicle?
A traffic stop normally ends with a citation—the annoyed motorist simply drives away. But an officer will sometime prolong a traffic detention, in the process searching the driver’s vehicle.
Searching Passengers and Their Belongings
If police lawful stop a car, are they allowed to search passengers and their belongings? As with many legal questions, the answer depends.
Police Searches of Impounded Cars
Police officers can impound your car for a variety of reasons.
Can Police Pull You Over for No Reason?
An officer’s pulling over a driver constitutes a detention—the driver hasn’t been arrested, but nevertheless isn’t free to leave.
Can the Police Use a Dog to Sniff a Car for Drugs Without a Warrant?
The Supreme Court says a K-9 sniff during a roadside detention is okay—unless it unreasonably prolongs the stop.
Are the Rules for Car Searches Different When the Search Is Near a U.S. Border?
Special rules for police searches apply near the borders.