Quote:
Originally Posted by dan_k
I may be wrong but you did not have to open your hood. In fact, he can not enter your car, open the trunk, open the hood without your consent or a warrant. From my past experience, they will hassle you by asking "what are you trying to hide" and similar questions but you do not have to open it. Then again, you just took one step towards the sh** list in the officer's mind.
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As much as I don't like it, CA law says that cop's have to be able to look under the hood to be able to check the safety equipment and "road worthiness" of your vehicle. Places where you keep personal property (the glove box, and trunk) require a warrant and/or probable cause.
I have locking hood latches on my very not street legal '98 rSTi and thought I could get around popping the hood by telling the cops I never carry the keys, but it turns out if they are big enough ****s they can impound the car until the hood can be opened. It really comes down to the cop that pulls you over and if he thinks it's worth the hassle though.