In the United States, privacy and property rights are deeply valued. The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants each citizen the right to be “secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects” against unreasonable searches and seizures. In order for police officers to search your home or property, they are usually required to present a valid search warrant. However, if you have provoked the curiosity and suspicion of a police officer while driving a car, a search warrant is not needed for the officer to look inside your vehicle. All that is needed is reasonable suspicion, or “probable cause.”

Read more ...