Which US Supreme Court case from 1999 permitted the search of containers in a vehicle based on probable cause?

The case of Wyoming v. Houghton, which was decided in 1999, established the precedent allowing law enforcement to search containers within a vehicle when there is probable cause to believe they contain contraband or evidence of a crime. In this case, the Supreme Court held that when police officers have probable cause to search a vehicle, they are also permitted to search passengers and their belongings within the vehicle, including closed containers.

This ruling reinforced the idea that the probable cause standard applies to the entire vehicle, not just specific areas within it. By allowing searches of containers based on probable cause, the Court aimed to enhance law enforcement's ability to effectively conduct searches while balancing individual privacy rights. This decision is critical in understanding the scope of searches during vehicle stops and has implications for how law enforcement operates when they suspect illegal activity.