What ruling did the Supreme Court make in Collins v. Virginia regarding vehicle searches?

In Collins v. Virginia, the Supreme Court ruled that searching a vehicle parked on private property requires a warrant. This decision is significant because it emphasizes the protection of Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Court highlighted that the automobile exception to the warrant requirement does not extend to private property where a vehicle is located, meaning that law enforcement cannot search a vehicle without consent or a warrant if it is parked in a location where one has an expectation of privacy, such as a residential driveway.

This ruling underlines the need for law enforcement to adhere to constitutional protections and reinforces the necessity for warrants when it comes to searching vehicles on private property. It clarifies that while the automobile exception allows for searches of vehicles when they are on public roadways, the same does not apply when they are located in private areas. Hence, the correct answer articulates the need for a warrant in these circumstances, aligning with the broader principles of privacy and protection against unreasonable government intrusion.