What does the Arizona v. Gant rule limit regarding vehicle searches?

The ruling in Arizona v. Gant established that the police may only conduct a search of a vehicle incident to the arrest of an occupant under specific circumstances. This primarily pertains to the need to protect officer safety and prevent the destruction of evidence. The court determined that a vehicle search is only permissible if the arrestee is within reaching distance of the car at the time of the search or if it is reasonable to believe that evidence relevant to the crime of arrest might be found in the vehicle. Thus, the decision imposes clear limits on vehicle searches during arrests, ensuring that they are justified either by the need for safety or the need to secure evidence. This ruling helps to protect citizens' rights against unreasonable searches while still allowing for necessary law enforcement practices.