Anti-Theft Standards

Definitions

Passive

An anti-theft device or system which is activated automatically when the operator removes the ignition key and leaves the vehicle.

Alarm

Except where otherwise specified, a horn, bell, siren or other sounding device which is audible at 300 feet.

Tubular

A type of lock whose key is cylindrically shaped.

Electronic lock or keyless device

An electronic coding device which must have more than 10,000 combinations. The combination used to unlock the device can be entered through a keyboard or similar data entry device or by means of a remote control device.

General

Stickers identifying the particular anti-theft system installed may not be attached to the car unless specifically permitted in these rules.

If two or more qualifying devices are attached to a vehicle, the total discount applicable shall be to the device meeting standards for the highest discount.

Insurers may require reasonable evidence of installation of any anti-theft device but may not refuse to grant a discount to a qualifying device solely on the grounds that it was installed by the owner of the vehicle.

Category I

Ignition cut-off switch in combination with flush or tapered door lock buttons

This device is an ignition cut-off switch (sometimes called a kill switch) which is inserted into the ignition wiring of a vehicle. If the switch is tripped upon leaving the vehicle, it must be switched back in order to start the vehicle.

The switch must be installed so as not to be visible from the driver's position when the driver is seated. In addition, the vehicle must contain flush or tapered door lock buttons on all doors.

A sticker may identify the presence of this system.

Ignition cut-off switches

Such ignition cut-off switches either must be designed so that the wires leading from the switch to the engine compartment are protected by armored tubing or cable, or operated passively.

Non-passive, externally-operated alarm

This is a non-passive warning alarm which is installed in a vehicle and can be set to go off if any door, the trunk or the hood is opened without first turning off the alarm by use of a key inserted in a lock mounted on the outside of the vehicle.

Internally-operated alarm not meeting category II or III criteria

This is an alarm system which is activated from within the vehicle but which does not meet all the criteria found in category II or III; alarm must be triggered by entry of doors, hood or trunk.

Steering column armored collar

This is device similar to an oversized padlock which clamps on to the steering column over the ignition lock and prevents access to it. This device upon being locked prevents the vehicle from being started, or if the vehicle is hot-wired and started, the device prevents it from being steered. No part of the device, when not in operation, is attached to the steering column.

A sticker may identify the presence of this device.

Category II

Internally-operated alarm systems not meeting category III criteria

This is an alarm system which is activated from within the vehicle, but which does not meet all the criteria in category III. The ignition must be automatically cut-off. The alarm must be triggered by entry of doors, hood or trunk.

Non-passive fuel cut-off device

This is a shut-off device which operated to block the fuel line, unless a switch is tripped upon re-entering the car.

The switch to open the fuel line must be well hidden from view. The parking/service attendant override switch must be hidden in a remote place.

Non-passive steering wheel lock

This device prevents the steering wheel from turning. A steel collar and barrel, into which the shackle of a lock fits, are permanently attached to the steering post. The shackle, made of case-hardened alloy steel, fits over the steering wheel spoke and into the barrel. A tubular key operates the lock. The collar, barrel, and shackle must resist cutting with a file.

A sticker may identify the presence of this system.

Armored cable hood-lock and ignition cut-off switch

This system is one which meets all the criteria of category III except as noted. Armor must be similar to that used in outdoor telephone booths; it must extend through the vehicle's firewall and be secured so as to prevent retraction.

Window identification sticker

A window identification system is one in which identification letters and/or numbers are etched by a sandblasting, chemical process or other permanent marking into all the windows of the vehicle other than small vent windows.

Provision must be made for immediate telephone identification of the owner of the vehicle any time of day or night.

A sticker may identify the presence of this identification system.

Emergency handbrake lock

This device prevents the release of the emergency handbrake. The lock replaces the handbrake grip, and is permanently attached to the handbrake lever. The lock encasement must be all metal construction. The lock is released by entering a preset digital combination.

A sticker may identify the presence of this device.

Car transmission lock

This device prevents the vehicle from moving from a parked position by locking the gear shift. A steel-encased lock is permanently installed to the floor of the vehicle by a steel stand. The shackle, made of case-hardened alloy steel, fits around the gear shift and is inserted into the lock. The device must have a high security locking system with at least 50,000 combinations. The lock, shackle and stand must resist cutting and filing.

A sticker may identify the presence of this system.

Category III

Passive alarm system

This alarm system must meet these criteria:

1. Alarm must be triggered by entry of doors, hood or trunk.
2. Ignition must be cut off automatically.
3. Hood must not open unless unlocked from inside the vehicle by a key, or by an electronic keyless device.
4. Alarm must sound for no more than eight minutes and, upon ceasing to sound, must re-set itself.
5. Alarm must not emit a pulsating, whooping or yelping sound which would cause it to be mistaken for the modern police, fire, or other emergency vehicle siren.
6. Alarm must be installed in the engine compartment so as to be inaccessible without opening the hood.
7. The system must be engaged passively by turning the ignition key to the Off position. To disarm the system a tubular lock or electronic keyless device must be used. The maximum time delay permitted to disarm the system after re-entry is 20 seconds.

Passive fuel cut-off devices

This fuel cut-off device is engaged by turning the ignition key to the Off position. The operator must trip a switch to open the fuel line each time the car is started. This device must meet the following criteria:

1. The fuel line must be blocked when the power is off.
2. The switch to open the fuel line must be well hidden from view, but accessible to the driver from the driver's sear; alternatively, a tubular key or an electronic device may be used.
3. A parking/service attendant override switch may be provided. It must be well hidden from view. It must not be accessible from the passenger compartment; alternatively, if the override switch is accessible from the passenger compartment, a warning buzzer must sound (or the operator must be distracted in some other way) while the engine is running and the override switch is engaged. If the buzzer is disconnected, it must result in disconnection of the entire anti-theft system.
4. Any under the dash wiring installed in connection with this device must blend in color with factory-installed wiring.

Armored ignition cut-off switch

This device is a kill switch designed to resist tampering. To prevent hot-wiring of the vehicle, a protective cap is attached to the coil or the starter solenoid. Such a device must meet the following criteria:

1. Armored cable must run from separate key to the coil, the starter solenoid, or other engine component.
2. The armor must be similar to that used in outdoor telephone booths, collapse when cut, and preclude quick reconnection of cut wire inside; alternatively, some other effective means of preventing defeat of the system by cutting off the armored cable must be employed.
3. The device must prevent hot-wiring of the vehicle.
4. A separate lock must be of tubular type with at least 50,000 combinations and must be installed inside the vehicle so as to facilitate use by the operator; alternatively, an electronic keyless device may be used in lieu of a lock if it does not take significantly longer to engage the device than it takes to remove a key from a lock, and use of the system is otherwise facilitated.

Passive multi-component cut-off switch

This device is a kill switch activated when the ignition key is turned to the Off position. It is designed to prevent hot-wiring of the vehicle. Such a device must meet the following criteria:

1. The primary wire to the ignition coil must be disconnected.
2. The device must disconnect the starter.
3. One or more wires to the electronic ignition system or to the points and condenser must be disconnected and grounded to the chassis.
4. The wiring must blend with factory-installed wiring, and the disconnecting/grounding wires must be routed to random points in the electrical system away from the components they affect.
5. The control module, if separate from the electronic locking mechanism, must be hidden in the engine compartment or other part of the vehicle so that it is not easily detectable.
6. In order to start the vehicle, a lock or electronic device must be used to deactivate the system. The lock must be of tubular type and must be installed inside the vehicle so as to facilitate use by the operator; alternatively, an electronic keyless device may be used in lieu of a lock if it does not take significantly longer to engage the device than it takes to remove a key from a lock, and use of the system is otherwise facilitated.

Passive time-delay ignition system

This is a device which allows the car to start only if the operator waits a prescribed time, which must vary from device to device in a range of 3 to 20 seconds, before moving ignition key from On to Start. If the vehicle does not start, the operator must be required to wait at least 90 seconds before the device can be operated successfully on a subsequent try.

The device must be resistant to tampering; for example, if it is forcibly removed, reconnection of the electrical system must not be possible with the hot-wire device.

Alternatively, the device must be installed with a hood lock operated by a tubular key.

Armored cable or electrically operated hood-lock and ignition cut-off switch

This is a supplemental operated from within the vehicle which also cuts off the ignition when engaged. Such devices must meet the following criteria:

• Armored cable hood lock
  1. The hood lock cable must be armored by case-hardened solid steel tubing designed to resist cutting; the tubing must extend through the vehicle's firewall and be secured so as to prevent retraction. Otherwise, an alarm meeting the criteria of category II must be installed.
  2. The system must be engaged by a push button or other device which facilitates use. The push button or other device must be installed within reach of the operator when seated.
  3. No portion of the hood lock cable may be accessible so that it could be grasped from underneath the vehicle; and if it is accessible through grill work, the armor must extend to the locking mechanism.
• Electrically-operated hood lock
  1. The hood lock is electrically operated and functions so that is remains locked even if the wiring operating the hood lock is cut.
  2. The system must be engaged passively by turning the ignition key to the Off position. To disarm the system, a separate key or electronic keyless device must be used.
  3. If the hood lock can be reached through the grill work or from underneath the vehicle, the hood lock must be shielded or armored so that it cannot be manually operated.

Passive ignition lock protective system

This is a case-hardened steel protective cap which fits over the ignition lock so as to prevent extraction of the ignition lock cylinder. The cap fastens to a steel collar which fits around the steering post and over the ignition lock. The ignition key fits through a slot in the cap.

A sticker may identify the presence of this system.

Passive, delayed ignition cut-off system

This electronic system disables the ignition circuit at a preset engine speed such that the engine cannot be restarted or hot-wired. Such a device must meet these criteria:

1. Ignition must be cut off automatically as soon as engine reaches speed in the range of 1500 to 2000 RPM.
2. System must be automatically armed when the driver leaves the vehicle.
3. A push button or other type disarm switch must be well hidden from view. The wiring must blend with factory-installed wiring if placed under the dash.
4. Alarm or horn shall be actuated at the same time ignition is disabled.

High security ignition replacement lock

This is a high security, case-hardened steering column ignition lock, conforming to NHTSA standard 114-1, which cannot be removed using a conventional slide hammer or lock puller equipment.

A sticker may identify the presence of this system.

Hydraulic brake lock

This is a dash-mounted device which, when activated and pressurized with the brake pedal, maintains hydraulic pressure on the brakes at two or more of a vehicle's wheels so that the vehicle cannot be driven. The device must have a high security locking system with at least 50,000 combinations, and a lock which cannot be pulled using a conventional slide hammer or lock puller equipment.

Category IV

Signal-activated vehicle recovery system

This is a small electronic unit installed in a vehicle that is activated when a vehicle is reported stolen. Thus activated, the device emits a signal which is monitored by law enforcement officials and leads to the location of the vehicle.