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Law enforcement pulls over thousands of American motorists and searches scores of private vehicles every day. However, as routine as it might seem, police officers may arrest you if you have illegal items in your vehicle or an illegal quantity of those things.

Telling police officers you didn’t know the laws or forgot the rules might not save you from a trip to jail if you have these in your car

I’ll preface this article with this: police officers won’t (at least they shouldn’t) pull you over without due cause. However, due cause might cover a lot more than you think. For instance, a law enforcement officer (LEO) could find due cause in anything from an inoperable taillight to erratic driving. 

However, once an LEO pulls you over, they cannot search your car unless they have a warrant or operate within the parameters of the “motor vehicle exception” to the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. That said, if a police officer legally searches your vehicle, there are a few things you shouldn’t have in your car. 

Depending on factors like your state of residence, felon status, and quantities, having any of these things in your car could land you in trouble with police officers. And that’s not including the obvious stuff like universally illegal substances. 

  • Marijuana
  • Controlled substances
  • An open container of alcohol
  • Firearms

Many states limit the amount of marijuana you can transport in your car. That goes for states where recreational or medicinal use is legal, too. For instance, the State of California is fairly cannabis-friendly. However, Golden State drivers can transport up to eight grams of cannabis concentrate without landing charges from the authorities. Transporting too much marijuana can result in a felony possession or trafficking charge, per NORML.

In addition to marijuana, illegal controlled substances in your vehicle could result in an arrest. Obvious, right? Well, beyond the obvious regulations forbidding drugs like cocaine and heroin, large quantities of prescription drugs and opioids could land you in trouble. 

Further, an open container of alcohol could be a misdemeanor. However, police officers may subsequently test you for driving under the influence (DUI). If you exceed the limit, you’ll be arrested and taken to jail.

Beyond substances, firearms and fireworks (yes, even fireworks) can land you in hot water with the authorities. For instance, even if your weapon is legal, if you transport it with a round in the chamber (typically condition one) in states like Colorado, authorities may charge you. What’s more, if you’re a felon, you aren’t legally allowed to possess a firearm in any capacity, let alone driving.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).