When can a warrantless search of a vehicle occur?

Question

a
When the person has been arrested. Location does not matter
b
The arresting officer reasonably believes that the car contains evidence pertinent to the same crime for which the arrest took place
c
Never. An officer needs a warrant to search a vehicle.
d
When the person arrested is within arms reach or near the car

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

b. The arresting officer reasonably believes that the car contains evidence pertinent to the same crime for which the arrest took place.

Additionally, warrantless searches of vehicles can occur under other circumstances, such as when the vehicle is in a location where it may be readily driven away, or when there is probable cause to believe that the vehicle contains contraband or evidence of a crime. However, the key principle is that the officer must have a reasonable belief that there is evidence related to the crime involved.