What does the automobile exception allow?

• A. The automobile exception allows warrantless searches of a vehicle with probable cause that it contains evidence.
• B. The automobile exception requires a warrant for any vehicle.
• C. The automobile exception applies only to airplanes.
• D. The automobile exception is about arresting suspects in a car.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that vehicles can be searched without a warrant when there is probable cause to believe they contain evidence or contraband. This rests on the notion that cars are mobile and people have a diminished expectation of privacy in them, so officers may conduct a warrantless search of the vehicle and its readily accessible areas or containers within the vehicle if there’s probable cause to believe evidence is inside. This does not require a warrant in those circumstances, unlike general searches of property. It also isn’t limited to airplanes or about arresting someone in a car. So the best choice states that the automobile exception allows warrantless searches of a vehicle with probable cause that it contains evidence.