Under Arizona v. Gant, the passenger compartment may be searched incident to a recent occupant's arrest if which of the following is true?

• A. The arrestee is within reaching distance of the passenger compartment
• B. It is reasonable to believe the vehicle contains evidence of the offense
• C. Either A or B is true
• D. Neither A nor B is true

Answer: (C)

Arizona v. Gant limits the vehicle search incident to a recent occupant’s arrest to two scenarios: either the arrestee is unsecured and within reaching distance of the passenger compartment at the time, or there is reasonable belief the vehicle contains evidence of the offense for which the arrest was made. The correct choice reflects that either condition justifies the search. If neither condition applies, the passenger compartment generally cannot be searched under this rule.