What is required for law enforcement to search a vehicle during a traffic stop under the exigent circumstances exception?

The exigent circumstances exception allows law enforcement to conduct a search without a warrant when there is a pressing need to do so that outweighs the individual's right to privacy. In the context of a traffic stop, if officers have probable cause to believe that there is evidence of a crime in the vehicle or if there is an immediate threat to public safety or the destruction of evidence, they may search the vehicle.

Probable cause refers to a reasonable belief, based on facts or evidence, that a crime has been committed or that evidence related to a crime exists in the vehicle. Exigency pertains to situations where there is a compelling need for immediate action, such as the potential for evidence to be lost or a suspect to flee. When either of these conditions is met, law enforcement can lawfully conduct a search without obtaining a warrant, making this option the correct answer.

The other choices pertain to different conditions under which searches may be conducted but do not accurately reflect the specific requirements of the exigent circumstances exception in this context. For instance, driver's consent is not necessary under exigent circumstances; a warrant is typically required unless exigent circumstances exist; and the mere observation of a crime does not alone satisfy the exigency requirement unless it also creates an