Police can search an RV or any other private property only under a few circumstances. They must have probable cause, permission from the owner, or a warrant. If you get arrested while driving, law enforcement will likely search the vehicle to take inventory before having it towed to the impound lot.
The Fourth Amendment protects RVs as they fall under “persons, houses, papers, and effects.” Any type of search that invades your right to privacy violates the Fourth Amendment. However, you forfeit this right by committing a crime, and police can search you and your effects.
Do You Have to Open Your RV Door for the Police When Overnight Parking?
Do You Have to Open Your RV Door for the Police When Overnight Parking?
We’re not lawyers, and we’re not going to pretend to be. However, we will suggest that if the police come knocking at your door when overnight parking, you need to respond to them. Being uncooperative will not go over well and will likely get you into more hot water.
Police can seize a vehicle when charging a driver with possession of drugs or for a DUI. They can also take it if it was involved in a crime.
Requirements for a vehicle’s seizure by law enforcement vary from state to state. Officers may have no choice but to seize it under certain circumstances.