Can police search my car when I am pulled over for speeding?

Posted by Stone River Criminal Defense Team

Last Updated: February 17, 2025

Police conduct during a traffic stop is limited by Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure. If police observe a traffic violation, they can stop the vehicle and question the driver. The scope of their conduct is restricted to an investigation of the crime or violation that they believe has occurred. Searching a vehicle […]
attorney meeting with client at desk

Police conduct during a traffic stop is limited by Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure. If police observe a traffic violation, they can stop the vehicle and question the driver. The scope of their conduct is restricted to an investigation of the crime or violation that they believe has occurred. Searching a vehicle is an escalation of the scope of the stop (seizure) and also extends the duration of the stop.

Unless the police have a reasonable articulable suspicion of other criminal activity, their conduct during a traffic stop is restricted to investigating only the traffic offense. If police ask for “permission” to search your vehicle, you should be free to say no. If police have a search warrant or if they say that they are going to search with or without your permission, you should not physically interfere with them.

There can be benefits to affirmatively stating that you have not consented to the police search. But each situation will have different facts affecting what will make the most sense. If you have the ability to use your phone, calling an attorney for advice can be your best course of action.

Originally Published: November 20, 2023

How can we help you?

Call us at 801-448-7451, or use this contact form.

    Related Articles

    Why Stone River Law Wins Where Others Don’t
    People come to us seeking more than just a good criminal defense lawyer—they need someone they can trust with their future. At Stone River Law, we...
    October 28, 2025
    Probable Cause vs. Reasonable Articulable Suspicion
    “The Fourth Amendment wasn't written for people with nothing to hide any more than the First Amendment was written for people with nothing to...
    October 20, 2025
    Utah Appeals Court Overturns “Failure to Stop” Conviction in State v. Clegg, 2025 UT App 61
    When can a person legally be charged for ignoring a police command? In State v. Clegg (2025 UT App 61), the Utah Court of Appeals tackled that...
    October 20, 2025

    Ready to explore our other articles?