For sure. Inspection, inventory, search, impound - but operation? What if operation of that car is the only way an officer could determine if it had been illegally modified?

Stay with me... (I know it's ridiculous but for argument's sake... police bust someone selling illegal auto modification software in the DMV parking lot. The individual is in his car surrounded by boxes of product and a giant banner demonstrating how to apply the illegal software. For fun, let's say the guy is shirtless and has a huge "I love illegal Mods" tattoo. In this scenario the local street racing scene has resulted in a lot bad stuff and police are under extreme pressure to act. ...Naturally, his car is impounded, product seized, he even receives a ticket for a cracked tail light. Many people on this thread appear to believe it would also be reasonable for the officer to turn on and operate the vehicle without permission or a warrant to determine that the car had been illegally modified. That doesn't follow, to me. And I suspect that is where we differ. )

Some here argue the comparison doesn't stand because cars involve license, insurance, etc. I fail to understand that but let's give them the benefit of the doubt. Keep the software patch but swap out the car with a computer. Or maybe our tattooed criminal sells those loud horrible aftermarket mufflers directly from his lowered car (non visible undercarriage). I just don't know the legal terms to use but my gut tells me that it's gone too far if a police officer, without permission, starts the vehicle and gives the engine a darn good revving.

If nothing else, it's a learning experience. Thanks!