At what point can consent for a vehicle search be withdrawn?

Consent for a vehicle search can be withdrawn at any time during the search because individuals have the right to revoke their consent once it has been given. The key principle here is that consent is an ongoing process, and if a person feels uncomfortable or changes their mind, they can clearly communicate their desire to stop the search. Law enforcement must respect this withdrawal of consent, and any continued search after consent has been revoked could lead to the evidence being deemed inadmissible in court.

The timing of consent withdrawal is critical, as it serves to protect individuals' rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. It reinforces the notion that individuals retain control over their personal property, even when they initially agreed to a search.