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Search & SeizureU.S. Supreme Court · 2005

Illinois v. Caballes

543 U.S. 405 (2005)
PLAIN ENGLISH

If you're lawfully stopped for a traffic violation, police can use a drug-sniffing dog around the outside of your car without a warrant — as long as they don't extend the stop beyond what's needed for the original violation.

LEGAL HOLDING

A dog sniff during a lawful traffic stop does not violate the Fourth Amendment if the stop is not extended beyond its original purpose.

WHY IT MATTERS

Drug dogs can circle your car during a traffic stop without a warrant. But per Rodriguez (2015), they cannot extend your stop to bring a dog.

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