In its simplest form, a master key is a single key that will open multiple locks. When it comes to automobiles, a master car key may unlock the doors, open the glove box and start the ignition. A master car key should not be able to open any lock on any other vehicle, even one of the same make and model. However, there is widespread speculation and numerous newspaper reports that master car keys are not only available, but are responsible for a growing number of car thefts in the United States.
Many automobile manufacturers have converted from mechanical tumblers to an electronic key system that utilizes an embedded computer chip to engage the ignition system as well as the door locks. Older vehicles that utilized the tumbler system for their locks were individually keyed as a theft deterrent. Most of these vehicles were sold with an individually numbered master key that could be duplicated at the dealership that sold the car. The key code may also be accessed by the manufacturer through the vehicle's unique identification number.
A primary tool of the locksmith's trade is a set of jiggler keys. Also known as auto jigglers or tryout keys, these are thin pieces of metal that are cut into the shape of specific types of car keys. Jiggler keys come in sets that are designed to mimic the many different general shapes of a particular manufacturer's key sets. The jiggler works by being slipped into the lock and jiggled around until the lock opens. If the first jiggler key fails to open the lock, the locksmith moves on to the next key. Success is attributed as much to luck as to the experience and skill of the locksmith.
While a master key system is frequently used in the commercial building industry to provide access to many locks by landlords, cleaning crews, supervisors and other interested parties, there is no master key system for the consumer car market. To prevent the development of such a car master key system, most states have enacted legislation governing the possession, distribution and manufacture of master car keys. Exceptions are codified to exempt members of such occupations and agencies as professional locksmiths, automobile dealers, fleet owners and car-rental companies.
Punishment for possession, distribution or manufacture of a master car key can range from fines of up to $10,000 and incarceration for up to two years. Legal authorities strongly encourage anyone who is charged with a crime involving a master car key to consult a criminal defense attorney. Because actions involving a master car key are frequently tied to other criminal activity such as grand-theft auto, there may be other, more serious charges that only a trained defense lawyer can adequately explain.
Car-theft rings are adept at picking locks and stealing cars. This has resulted in a surge of newspaper reports about the use of master car keys that can unlock any car. However, according to a report from the Coalition Network of Forensic Examiners, while master keys were common in large, commercial building systems, there is no such thing as a master key for vehicle locks. Tryout keys and auto jigglers, while commonplace and relatively inexpensive, are primarily lock picks and not master keys.
