Do not consent to a search of your vehicle by a police officer unless the police officer has a search warrant issued by a judge. Police officers do not have the authority to search your vehicle without probable cause. In other words, giving your consent to a search is giving the law enforcement officer authority to do something that even the law would not normally allow. If the police officer finds drugs in your car, they will have cause to arrest you. Many drivers worry that failing to consent to a search translates to having something to hide. However, if the officer has no probable cause to search your car, you have the right to refuse.