Which is NOT a valid basis to begin searching a vehicle?

• A. Consent
• B. Administrative inventory
• C. Probable cause
• D. A random stop without basis

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that a vehicle search must be grounded in a lawful basis: either the occupant consents, there is probable cause that evidence or contraband is present, or an authorized inventory/search exception applies (such as impounding the vehicle). A random stop with no basis does not create authority to search. Without reasonable suspicion or probable cause, any search would violate the Fourth Amendment and likely be suppressed. So a random stop without basis is not a valid reason to begin a vehicle search.