Can an employer search your vehicle if parked off the premises?

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Can an employer search your vehicle if parked off the premises?

I was wondering if a private employer can conduct a vehicle search if it is parked along the curb outside of the parking lot? And can they fire me if I refuse to park in their parking lot?

Asked on February 12, 2019 under Employment Labor Law, California

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

Your employer has no automatic legal right to search your off-premises vehicle. And, you can refuse to let your employer search your vehicle if asked. That having been said, unless you have an employment contract or union agreement to the contrary, you can be terminated for such a refusal. In fact, you can be fired for any reason or no reason at all. This is called "at will" work. Bottom line, a company can set the conditions of employment much as it sees fit, absent some form of legally actionable discrimination.

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

Your employer has no automatic legal right to search your off-premises vehicle. And, you can refuse to let your employer search your vehicle if asked. That having been said, unless you have an employment contract or union agreement to the contrary, you can be terminated for such a refusal. In fact, you can be fired for any reason or no reason at all. This is called "at will" work. Bottom line, a company can set the conditions of employment much as it sees fit, absent some form of legally actionable discrimination.


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