In relation to an arrest made in a motor vehicle, what areas can be searched?

The correct answer, stating that the entire interior of the vehicle and the trunk can be searched during an arrest made in a motor vehicle, is accurate because it aligns with legal principles surrounding vehicle searches in the context of arrest.

When a lawful arrest is made, law enforcement officers have the authority to conduct a search that is incident to that arrest. This includes searching not just the area within the immediate reach of the person arrested, but also the entire interior of the vehicle and the trunk, as part of their duty to secure evidence and ensure officer safety. The rationale behind this is to ensure that any potential evidence related to the crime or any weapons that could pose a threat to the officers are secured.

This authority is derived from case law, which has established that the basis for searching the entire vehicle stems from the potential danger involved in vehicle-related offenses and the possibility that evidence can be hidden or destroyed if not secured promptly. This comprehensive search capability aims to prevent any risks to officer safety and to preserve any evidence that may be present within the vehicle.