Which of the following is a requirement for an officer to lawfully search a motor vehicle?

For an officer to lawfully search a motor vehicle, the presence of probable cause is a fundamental requirement. Probable cause means that the officer has a reasonable belief, based on facts and circumstances, that evidence of a crime or contraband is present in the vehicle. This legal standard allows for searches without a warrant and is essential in ensuring that the officer's actions are justified within the confines of the law.

When probable cause is established, an officer can conduct a search of the entire vehicle, including compartments and containers within it, as long as the items searched for could be located therein. This principle is derived from the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, highlighting the necessity of a valid reason for conducting a search.

While other options, such as conducting a search after a traffic stop or obtaining consent from the owner, can provide lawful grounds for a search, they are not the only avenues for an officer to proceed. Probable cause is the primary standard that must be met for a search to be an acceptable and legal action by law enforcement.