Police routine check

[vinrex7]

If a police car pulls you over while driving, do they have the right to search your car or do they need a warrant?

[Catso]

They must have a good reason for the search, but I don't think they need a warrant for a car.

But they could probably create a reason, if they were so inclined.

Why are you bothered?

[vinrex7]

i'm not bothered, but i have noticed that the police seem to be able to make the rules up as they go. i know that in the usa they need a warrant to search your property, weather it be your house or your car. But speaking from personal experience, when i was 17 and driving home i was stopped for no reason and told to get out and they searched my car and found nothing, i doubt they would do this if i had been say 50.

[Catso]

That was probably an example of what today is called 'profiling'. ;-)

Wouldn't bother me - they're just doing a job.

[Buenchico]

Under Section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, police officers must have a valid reason before conducting a search of a vehicle.

However, there are circumstances where they can conduct a search, without any cause for suspicion, under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

For more on this, see my answer to a similar question, here:
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/How-it-Works/Qu estion264795.html

Chris

[kempie]

Although not really pertinent to a "routine" check, the Police can also search a vehicle under Section 60, Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, whereby a police officer of the rank of superintendent or above may authorize all persons and vehicles within a locality to be searched regardless of suspicion, if serious violence is expected in an area. This power may be exercised by an inspector if he believes violence is imminent and no superintendent is available.