The question "Do you have anything illegal in your car? Do you mind if I look? is really about watching your reaction to the question. It's a body language thing. You would be amazed at the idiots carrying 50 lbs of dope in the trunk, who freak at the question, start fidgeting, and say "Sure, go ahead".
When out and about in public, and to and extent, in your home, there are SO many laws on the books that an Officer can use to scrutinize you. To spite all the usual chest thumping and “Just say no” stuff, if an Officer wants in your car (or home) bad enough, there are a plethora of legal tools at his disposal to allow him (her) to do so. It's just much easier to get consent by simply asking.
The simplest way to avoid being searched, is to avoid the interaction with LE to begin with. Make sure your registration / inspection is current. Don’t do anything to get the LEO’s attention. It’s amazing just how many people drive to and from work every day, and out on the town with their families WITHOUT having ever been stopped by LE.
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