Under the motor vehicle exception, the search may extend to:

Under the motor vehicle exception, the search may extend to:

• A. The exterior of the vehicle only
• B. The trunk only
• C. Containers within the vehicle that might conceal the contraband
• D. The driver's wallet

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that when there’s probable cause to believe contraband is in a vehicle, officers can search the vehicle without a warrant, and the scope includes any containers inside the vehicle that could conceal the contraband. Since contraband can be hidden in bags, boxes, or compartments, the police may inspect those containers as part of the same search. This broader interior reach goes beyond just the exterior or a single area like the trunk. A wallet or other personal item isn’t automatically targeted unless there’s separate justification to believe it contains contraband.

The main idea is that when there’s probable cause to believe contraband is in a vehicle, officers can search the vehicle without a warrant, and the scope includes any containers inside the vehicle that could conceal the contraband. Since contraband can be hidden in bags, boxes, or compartments, the police may inspect those containers as part of the same search. This broader interior reach goes beyond just the exterior or a single area like the trunk. A wallet or other personal item isn’t automatically targeted unless there’s separate justification to believe it contains contraband.