Navygolf13

iTrader: (5)

What are the laws regarding cops and when they can search a car and can't. I hae heard different thing, someone said if there is a decal on the car, others have said whenever they want? which is it, and don't they still have to have a reason to pull you over?

SOCAL350

iTrader: (11)

Probable Cause. The officer does not even need to tell you what it is either. They can just search away so long as they have a reason to note in the report to follow. So even somthing like not wearing a seatbelt could result in a search from what I understand about this.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

…and probable cause might include:

an odor of booze or dope.
A coat in the car covering “something.”
A crack pipe in plain sight.
Anything unusual inside the car.

Also with your permission. The cop might ask “May I look inside the car?” If you answer “yes,” then anything found may be used as evidence. “Permission” is a substitute for “probable cause.”

Navygolf13

iTrader: (5)

They have to pull you over for soemthing though right? They can't pull you over cause the car looks like it has mods, right?

SOCAL350

iTrader: (11)

Sure they can pull you over and search you if they think your car is modded. Window Tint is a great example. If a cop sees it thats all they need to pull you over and start a search. There was a news article a few months back on how the police are now training other police departments to recognize modded vehicles.

mrtomcat

iTrader: (3)

after the introduction of the patriot act they can do whatever they want without any probable cause. The patriot act bascially says: screw the constitution you the people no longer have any rights. Thank you mister wolfowitz