Working the road, you know vehicle searches come up all the time. But figuring out when you can search a car without a warrant can be tricky. Getting it wrong can blow your case. This class clears things up by explaining the six main exceptions to the warrant requirement. You'll get the knowledge you need to search confidently and stay within the law.

In 6 Warrantless Vehicle Searches, you'll learn how to handle common search situations in the field, understand key case law, and apply real-world tactics. This is a straightforward, practical class that helps you do your job right and keep evidence solid in court.

What You’ll Learn

  • Motor Vehicle Exception
    When you have probable cause, you can search a car just like you have a warrant. Learn what counts as probable cause and how to use this tool effectively.

  • Protective Sweeps for Weapons
    Find out when you can search a car for weapons if the driver or occupant seems dangerous, even if they are outside the vehicle.

  • Inventory Searches
    Understand when and how you can legally search an impounded vehicle to stay within the Fourth Amendment.

  • K9 Sniffs and Probable Cause
     See how a dog alert can give you probable cause and what courts have said about this after Rodriguez v. U.S.

  • Consent Searches
    Learn how to ask for consent the right way and what happens if a state imposes extra rules.

  • Community Caretaking and Exigent Circumstances
    Know when it’s okay to search a vehicle for safety or emergencies, even if there isn’t a crime-related reason.

By the end of this course, you'll know when you can search a car without a warrant and when you can't. You'll be ready to handle real-world situations with confidence, write strong reports, and keep your cases solid in court. Whether you're new or experienced, this class will sharpen your understanding of search and seizure laws and help you avoid mistakes that could ruin a case.

Formats: Live Online | On-Demand

Length: 1 Hour

Credit: In-services credit available in many states. 

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Course curriculum

  1. 1

    • Welcome to Blue to Gold University

    • Course Introduction

    • Meet your Instructor

    • Questions and Technical Support
  2. 2

    • Six Warrantless Vehicle Searches
  3. 3

    • Assessment - Six Warrantless Vehicle Searches

  4. 4

    • Presentation PDF

    • Search & Seizure Survival Guide eBook

Course Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5 star rating

Great Class

Sigurd Sivertson

I believe every officer in the US should take this course. Officers need to know this stuff so we can stop bad case law from being made.

I believe every officer in the US should take this course. Officers need to know this stuff so we can stop bad case law from being made.

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5 star rating

Amazing!!

Steven Sentz

Highly useful information that can be used on every call for service

Highly useful information that can be used on every call for service

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4 star rating

This class was great

Humberto Martinez

i learned a lot. Its about the minor details, especially when it comes to our line of work

i learned a lot. Its about the minor details, especially when it comes to our line of work

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5 star rating

Solid

Troy Wylie

Helpful information, very well presented, in manageable portions.

Helpful information, very well presented, in manageable portions.

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  • Our courses are designed to be comprehensive, engaging, and well-structured delivered by a knowledgeable and passionate instructor.

  • Up-to-date, practical content that reflects industry trends and is presented in an easy-to-understand manner.

  • Collaborative opportunities, feedback, and assessment to facilitate student learning and progress tracking.

  • Our courses provide practical skills and knowledge that can be applied in real-life situations, with relevant examples, case studies, and exercises.

  • You will receive a certificate of completion.