Probably cause was changed for cars and the like. The law used to be that they had to have a warrant to search anything, or probable cause (such as seeing anything illegal). But a car for instance is easily moveable, do you see the problem. They only suspect something wrong but can't do anything about it without waiting for a warrant, at which time the car is in the next state (or country). So they changed the law for cars so they don't need probable cause. In theory it sounds like a good idea, and it really is, if used correctly. But like anything that gives a cop more freedom and power to serve and protect use better, it can be abused to harras and annoy us. Cops are just human, and there are good cops, bad cops and horrible cops. I'd be pist if i had to deal with a bad cop, but I guess in retrospect, at least I haven't had to deal with any horrible cops (aka dirty cops) in my life yet.</font>My best friends dad is a commander for the Columbus City Police. He said that you csn refuse a search on your car at anytime for any reason. sometimes the cop will let you go, but you can bet your booty that if you tell him no, he is going to find some type of equipment violation and have your car impounded. the cop who pulled me over wanted to impound my car`for an illegal exhaust and no front plate