If a cop has "probable cause" to search a vehicle, does he have to explain what cause he has?

I've heard that the Carroll Doctrine says an officer can search a vehicle without a warrant if he has probable cause.

There are many acceptable indicators that would allow him to claim probable cause, some of them are incredible fallible, such "the odor of drugs" etc. For argument's sake, let's say he does in fact smell something and decides he has probably cause. What is he obligated to disclose to the subject of the traffic stop at this point?

I am in Washington and spend lots of time in California, so specific answers by state would be helpful if applicable.

Thanks!

mikeysco

The first two answers are very mistaken.

As to your question, the answer in California (and I strongly suspect in Washington), would be: absolutely nothing.

It would serve no purpose to require me to tell you what my probable cause was before I began my search. You'd either agree, in which case I would search or you'd disagree, in which case I'd search. It also possibly risks the destruction of evidence and/or an argument between you and me (and my arguments tend to be very short and not result in favorable outcomes for the person who starts them). I'm all about talking to someone about my probable cause after I search, but it's rare that I would tell anyone ahead of time (and I'm not required to).

As was noted, anything that came about as a result of the search would have the probable cause documented in a police report.

Prussian Blue

They don't have to tell you anything. Probable cause is a joke, they can dream up anything, no matter how moronic & get away w/it, ie "he fit the profile", or he "looked guilty", or he "was sweating". You cannot trust these types.

Mando205

if an officer has PC to search your vehicle he or she does not have to tell you what the PC is. However, most officers will explain to you why he or she is searching your vehicle. furthermore, im you are arrested the narrative of the arrest report will include the Officers PC for the search of your vehicle.

Jennatellwertz

actually the odor of drugs does not give him probable cause. He has to ask for consent to search the vehicle, and if you refuse then he has to call in a K-9 unit. Most dog handlers can command the dog to give a false alert which then allows the cop to claim he has probable cause to search.

Nik

It doesn't matter what state you are in, if you ask, the officer has to tell you.

The officer also needs to tell you why he stopped you, if you ask.

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