What is a probable cause search of a vehicle?

• A. A search based on a reasonable belief that the vehicle contains evidence of a crime, allowed under certain criteria without a warrant.
• B. A search conducted only after a warrant is obtained.
• C. A search of the vehicle only after a general search of the driver.
• D. A search that is prohibited in all circumstances.

Answer: (A)

Probable cause search of a vehicle refers to the automobile exception to the Fourth Amendment: when police have probable cause to believe the vehicle contains evidence of a crime, they may search the vehicle without a warrant because cars are mobile and evidence could be moved or lost if they delayed. The key is that there must be specific facts giving rise to a reasonable belief that evidence is inside the vehicle, not just a general suspicion. The search can include parts of the vehicle where such evidence could be found, without a warrant, because the vehicle’s inherent mobility creates a risk of quickly losing the opportunity to seize evidence. This is why the statement describing a search based on a reasonable belief that the vehicle contains evidence of a crime and allowed without a warrant captures the correct concept. The other ideas don’t fit because a warrant isn’t always required under this exception, there’s no need to conduct a general search of the driver first, and the search is not categorically prohibited.