Can a Cop make you Pop.... Options

[Random_Stranger]

Your hood for no reason (Or even in California)? I was hearing about things like this happening. Today I got pulled over because my license plate was falling off due to a screw missing, so I put it on my dashboard. I got pulled over for a fix it ticket (not a problem) and the cop asked me if I had any engine modifications. I told him "No", and he took my word for it (and believe me, I have no modifications other than that aluminum hood, not even an exhaust). I was curious why he didn't make me pop it anyways. Was it because had I said yes, he would be allowed to then check it?


I wear hearing that in Santa Barbara, because of illegal displays of "exhibition of speed" (Hah! I didn't say the R word), that any car for whatever reason, they just pull over and say "Pop your hood" and then cars get impounded. I am not saying it is okay to do the "exhibition of speed thing", but some of us cannot afford a Mercedes McLaren, and just want that luxury, ya know?


Anyways, what are your thoughts or facts?


Thanks

[Bricy]

Alabama is really lenient with automobile laws. The only thing they look for here is excessive tint and even then they barely ever pull over and check they usually just give warnings. I did hear on the news the other day our new mayor is going to make the people with "22 wheels have to get a CDL license cause it's tearing up the roads. Yep a lot of rednecks with monster trucks around here, that and Monte Carlo's and what not with gigantic wheels. Other than that you are free to do whatever you want to your car.