A vehicle is stopped for a minor traffic infraction. While speaking with the driver, the officer observes a small, clear plastic bag containing a white powdery substance on the passenger seat in plain view. What action is legally justified?

Question: A vehicle is stopped for a minor traffic infraction. While speaking with the driver, the officer observes a small, clear plastic bag containing a white powdery substance on the passenger seat in plain view. What action is legally justified?

Answer options:

• Requesting the driver step out to conduct a full strip search immediately. ✅ Seizing the bag and its contents under the 'plain view' doctrine.
• Ignoring the bag as it's not directly related to the traffic stop.
• Conducting a full search of the entire vehicle based on the traffic violation alone.

Correct answer: Seizing the bag and its contents under the 'plain view' doctrine.

Explanation: The 'plain view' doctrine allows police to seize evidence without a warrant if they are lawfully in a position to see it, it is immediately apparent that the object is evidence of a crime, and they have lawful access to the object. The white powdery substance suggests it might be illicit drugs.