Which of the following is true regarding inventory searches after vehicle impoundment?

An inventory search can indeed be conducted without a warrant, which makes this choice the correct answer. Inventory searches are typically performed by law enforcement when they impound a vehicle, primarily to document its contents and protect the property of the owner while it is in police custody. These searches are considered a part of the standard procedure and do not require a warrant because they are not aimed at discovering evidence of a crime. Instead, the purpose is to catalog items for safekeeping or to protect the police from claims of lost or stolen property.

The legality of inventory searches is rooted in the principles of community caretaking; they fulfill an administrative function rather than a law enforcement one. Courts have upheld that as long as the impoundment of the vehicle was lawful and the inventory search follows standard police procedures, it does not infringe on the Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches.

Reasons why the other choices do not apply include the fact that a warrant is not necessary for an inventory search due to its procedural nature. Furthermore, an inventory search is usually conducted by law enforcement officers and not limited to the owner of the vehicle, ensuring a standardized approach to handling impounded vehicles. Lastly, inventory searches are legal as long as they are conducted properly and lawfully, aligning with