During an Indiana traffic stop, the law enforcement official who pulls you over may ask if he or she may look around your vehicle. Knowing when you have the right to refuse this type of request – and when you do not – may put you more at ease during what is often an anxiety-inducing encounter.
According to FlexYourRights.org, you do not have to let an officer who pulls you overlook through your car unless he or she has your permission, a warrant or something that counts as “probable cause.”
When authorities have probable cause
When a law enforcement officer has probable cause to conduct a search of your car, this means the officer has some form of evidence or proof that something illegal is in there, or has taken place there. An officer’s hunch or desire to search your car, alone, is not enough to count as probable cause. However, viewing something illegal or smelling an illegal substance may give the officer enough to search your car.
When authorities lack probable cause
Without a warrant, probable cause or your permission to do so, a law enforcement officer who wants to search your car is out of luck. If you do not want the search to take place, tell him or her so politely. You may then ask the officer if you are free to move on.
Regardless of how polite or courteous the law enforcement officer who stops you is, be sure to remain polite and courteous in response. Behaving in any other way has the potential to come back to bite you if your case winds up in court.