In which case law can the police search an automobile and its containers with probable cause?

The case law that allows police to search an automobile and its containers with probable cause is California v. Acevedo. In this landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that if law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe that a vehicle contains contraband or evidence of a crime, they may conduct a search of the vehicle, including its containers, without a warrant. This decision streamlined the process for law enforcement when dealing with vehicles, affirming the principle that the mobility of automobiles creates a unique situation in search and seizure law. The ruling emphasizes the importance of probable cause over the necessity of a warrant when it comes to vehicles, aligning with the established need for officers to act swiftly in dynamic situations where evidence may be lost if they wait for a warrant.