Arrest, Search, Seizure, Warrant are the police allowed to unlock my glovebox for no reason?

[davalamul]

I was pulled over last night for DUI. While in the back of the police car they were in my car and unlocked my glovebox and found marijuana in separate baggies. I was under the assumption that they were not legally allowed to search my glovebox, i was not given a reason and all my insurance information and registration was in my wallet. Could anyone give me advie on this please?

 

[Duranie]

The glovebox is part of the car. I don't know why you were under the assumption they could not check that. The glovebox, and the trunk are fair game in a legal stop.

 

[CdwJava]

Case law has established that all parts of the car and all containers - locked and unlocked - may be opened and inspected pursuant to an impound of the vehicle after an arrest. Additionally, an argument can be made supporting a search incident to arrest of any area within the driver's reach.

- Carl

 

[lwpat]

If you are arrested, the passenger compartment including any locked containers can be searched. They cannot search the trunk unless the vehicle is impounded and the search is part of the normal inventory procedure (and it always is). Don't drive around drunk with drugs in the car and you won't have anything to complain about.