Which doctrine permits a warrantless search of a vehicle when there is probable cause due to the vehicle's mobility?

• A. Consent exception
• B. Automobile exception
• C. Plain view doctrine
• D. Stop-and-frisk

Answer: (B)

The main concept is the automobile exception. When police have probable cause that a vehicle contains evidence or contraband, they may search the vehicle without a warrant because a car can be moved quickly and waiting for a warrant could allow the evidence to disappear. This exception recognizes the reduced expectation of privacy in vehicles and allows officers to search areas of the vehicle where the object of the search could reasonably be found, provided the probable cause is present.

Consenting to a search requires voluntary agreement from someone authorized to give it, and is not about mobility or probable cause. The plain view doctrine only allows seizure of items clearly seen during a lawful observation, not a broad warrantless vehicle search based on probable cause. Stop-and-frisk is about briefly detaining and patting down a person for weapons based on reasonable suspicion, not about searching a vehicle for evidence with probable cause.