Under the motor vehicle exception, when may police search a motor vehicle without a warrant?

• A. Probable cause to believe the vehicle contains contraband
• B. The vehicle is currently stationary
• C. A random suspicion unrelated to contraband
• D. Consent has been given by the occupant

Answer: (A)

The motor vehicle exception allows a warrantless search when there is probable cause to believe the vehicle contains contraband or evidence. The rationale is that vehicles are quickly movable and people have a somewhat lower expectation of privacy in motor vehicles, so police shouldn’t have to delay to get a warrant if they already have probable cause that something illegal is inside. The search can extend to areas within the vehicle that could reasonably conceal the contraband or evidence.

In this scenario, the critical factor is having probable cause to believe the vehicle contains contraband. That justification fits the motor vehicle exception and permits a warrantless search. Being stationary is not a requirement. A random suspicion unrelated to contraband does not meet the probable-cause standard. Consent by the occupant is a separate basis for a search, not the motor vehicle exception.