Can a cop search your car if you don't have your license with you?

Question

Can a cop search your car if you don't have your license with you?

Answer 1

Yes,

they don't need a reason to search your car.

Answer 2

Yes, your car can be searched if the officer thinks he has probable cause, even if you have your license with you.

Answer 3

The cops will use that as a excuse to search your car the stand by probable cause.

Answer 4

License or not, an officer can visually inspect a vehicle. If he sees something that should not be there, then that gives him probable cause to search the vehicle for contraband. If the officer asks you if he can search and you refuse, you will be placed under arrest. By refusing, you have given the officer more reason to be suspicious and all the more reason to search.

It's the same concept as a DUI. If an officer requests that you take a Breathalyzer and you decline, you will be placed under arrest just for refusing.

Answer 5

No they can't, but they will either claim "probable cause" (which means whatever they want it to mean) or they will intimidate you into giving permission to search.

Answer 6

I figure a cop can search  your car anytime he feels he has reason to.

Answer 7

Yes especially if you don't have your license with you.  That give the cop a reason to search your car.

Answer 8

Any time you are stopped, an Officer has the right to visually inspect the interior of the vehicle. That means what is sitting on the seats, on the floor and under the seats.

He cannot open your glovebox or trunk unless he asks your permission and you grant it. However, if he has reason to suspect ( probable cause) you can be detained long enough to bring a drug dog to the scene. If the dog does his "tell", that is enough to arrest. Upon an arrest, he would need to inventory the vehicle before impounding.

I hope this helps and you can find it useful

Answer 9

He may...if you have no license with you, he must impound the vehicle. To do so the vehicle's contents must be inventoried [so you can't claim later that the $5000.00 in the glove box was stolen].

If you are riding with someone who is licensed and able to take over the driving of your vehicle...maybe not.

Answer 10

Why are you driving without your license? I think that fact does give the cop cause to search.

Answer 11

Two words: Lunge area.

Answer 12

Yup, and every other part of your person if they wish.