[jims69camaro]

driving is a privilege, not a right. police have the responsibility of the safety of the public, so if you get pulled over the cop can look about your car. he can ask to look in the trunk and under the hood. obviously, if you wanted to be a wise ass and not open anything for him, he could be a hard ass and put you in the back of the patrol car while he gets his sergeant and/or lieutenant on the scene in order to effect a full search of your vehicle. they would do that under probable cause, for what, exactly, they don't have to say, only the "safety of the public". nitrous oxide is considered a dangerous gas and you cannot transport it in your vehicle without the proper placards and a reason you would be carrying it in the first place (not just because you want to go fast at the touch of a button). i believe it is legal to carry it to the track and home, but if you've got it in your car on the street, then they can assume you are up to no good (street racing) and impound your car and bust your balls.

so, if a cop asks to look under the hood, let him. be as cooperative as you can be, and he might just let you off with a warning. all of this "warrant" stuff is only going to get you in more trouble than it is worth. like stated, most cops don't know what to look for anyway, and if your nitrous oxide is a sneaky system, hidden from view (so other racers can't see it if you pop your hood) then they won't see it either.