Legal Definitions - regulatory search

A regulatory search is a type of administrative search conducted by a regulatory authority to enforce compliance with health, safety, or security regulations in public or commercial premises. The probable cause required for a regulatory search is less stringent than that required for a search incident to a criminal investigation.

For example, a health inspector may conduct a regulatory search of a restaurant to ensure that it is following food safety regulations. The inspector may examine the kitchen, food storage areas, and other parts of the restaurant to look for any violations.

Another example is a building inspector conducting a regulatory search of a construction site to ensure that the building is being constructed according to safety regulations. The inspector may examine the foundation, framing, electrical wiring, and other parts of the building to look for any violations.