Under the automobile exception, when may an automobile be searched without a warrant?

• A. If the driver consents to a search but there is no probable cause.
• B. If the officer simply suspects wrongdoing, with no facts.
• C. Probable cause to believe the car contains evidence or contraband.
• D. The vehicle is parked legally on the street.

Answer: (C)

The fundamental idea is that an automobile can be searched without a warrant when there is probable cause to believe the vehicle contains evidence or contraband. The vehicle’s mobility and the practicality of quickly securing or removing evidence justify this exception. Probable cause means a reasonable belief, based on facts, that evidence or contraband is present in the car. If such probable cause exists, officers may search the vehicle and any compartments or containers where the items could be found.

Mere suspicion without facts does not meet the standard, and parked legality has no bearing on the ability to search under this rule. Consent could allow a warrantless search, but that would be a separate basis for a search rather than the automobile exception.