New Jersey statute
N.J.S.A. 2C:5-6 — Motor vehicle master keys
Current through P.L.2025, c.346, and J.R.22
Part of Chapter 5, Colorado Revised Statutes.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-6
Statutory text current through the P.L.2025, c.346, and J.R.22. This is an officially sanctioned publication using the official text of the Colorado Revised Statutes; it is not the official statutes of the State of Colorado.
2C:5-6. a. A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if the person:
(1) knowingly possesses a motor vehicle master key or device designed to operate a lock or locks on motor vehicles or to start a motor vehicle without an ignition key or key fob;
(2) for an unlawful purpose, knowingly possesses a key fob that operates a lock or locks on or starts a motor vehicle owned by another person; or
(3) for an unlawful purpose, knowingly possesses a computer program, application, software, or other device adapted, designed, or commonly used to operate a lock or locks on or start a motor vehicle without an ignition key or key fob, or to copy, store information relating to, or interfere with those functions.
b. A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if the person:
(1) offers or advertises for sale, sells or gives to any person other than those excepted in subsection c. of this section a motor vehicle master key or device designed to operate a lock or locks on a motor vehicle or to start a motor vehicle without an ignition key or key fob, or who otherwise causes any such item to enter into commerce in this State;
(2) offers or advertises for sale, sells, or gives to any person a computer program, application, software, or other device adapted, designed, or commonly used to operate a lock or locks on or start a motor vehicle without an ignition key or key fob, or to copy, store information relating to, or interfere with those functions, or who otherwise causes any such item to enter into commerce in this State:
(i) knowing the item to be adapted, designed, or commonly used for those purposes; and
(ii) with a purpose to provide the item to a person the actor knows or reasonably should know has the purpose to use or employ the item unlawfully.
c. Paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section shall not apply to use or employment for a lawful purpose by a law enforcement officer; locksmith; dealer; distributor or manufacturer of motor vehicles or motor vehicle locks; a garage keeper; an insurance support organization as defined in section 2 of P.L.1985, c. 179, (C.17:23A-2); or a person or the employee or agent of a person engaged in the business of lending on the security of motor vehicles or acquiring by purchase evidence of debt secured by interests in motor vehicles.
L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:5-6, eff. Sept. 1, 1979; amended 2023, c.100; 2023, c.250, s.11.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
What degree of offense is motor vehicle master keys in New Jersey?
Motor vehicle master keys is a crime of the fourth degree in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2C:5-6.
Which New Jersey statute covers motor vehicle master keys?
Motor vehicle master keys is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:5-6 (Motor vehicle master keys).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.