If you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror, you probably have questions. With so much uncertainty, it can be tempting to allow the police whatever they request, but the truth is that you do not necessarily have to allow the police to enter your vehicle. Do the police need a warrant to look for evidence in your car?
While the police generally need a warrant, there are exceptions to this rule.
If the police have not arrested you, they usually need a warrant to enter your vehicle and search it for evidence. However, there are a few situations that do not require a warrant. These include:
- You gave permission for the search – If the police ask to search your vehicle and you give your consent, that permission allows them to enter your vehicle. However, you do not have to give the police permission to search your vehicle if they lack a warrant.
- The police could see evidence of illegal activity – According to the Plain View Doctrine, the police do not need a warrant if the evidence of a crime is in plain view. For example, if an officer saw an open bottle of alcohol through the window of a car, this would give them cause to enter the vehicle.
- The police believed that there was an emergency – Sometimes, the police believe that entering a vehicle is necessary due to an emergency. This may include a belief that there is an immediate threat to the officers’ safety, that someone is in danger or that they must offer emergency assistance.
Unfortunately, police may search a vehicle even without these reasons. If you or a loved one face charges and believe that your rights were violated, you may need to take additional steps to protect yourself and your freedom.