Are Car Lockout Kits Legal?
In Canada, buying or owning a car lockout kit is not an offence by itself. Possession becomes a crime under section 351(1) of the Criminal Code if you have the tools without lawful excuse and know they have been used, or are intended to be used, to break into a vehicle or other property. Using a kit on your own car is also easy to get wrong and can damage the door, so for most people a call to roadside assistance or a locksmith is the better route.
In this guide
People search this when they are standing next to a locked car, or when they see kits sold online for a few dollars. The honest answer is that the tools themselves are not what the law looks at. What matters is what you are doing with them and what it looks like to someone else.
What the law looks at
Section 351(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada covers possession of a break-in instrument. It applies to anyone who, without lawful excuse, has in their possession any instrument suitable for breaking into any place, motor vehicle, vault or safe, knowing that the instrument has been used or is intended to be used for that purpose. It can be prosecuted as an indictable offence, with a maximum of ten years in prison, or as a summary conviction offence.
In plain terms, the offence is about what you know and intend, not about owning the tool. Keeping a lockout kit in a toolbox for your own use is very different from carrying one with the intention of getting into cars that are not yours. Police and courts look at the whole situation, not only at the object.
Professional locksmiths carry these tools as part of their work. Locksmith businesses in BC are licensed, which is a separate matter from what the general public may own. EZ Locksmith is a licensed locksmith.
What the offence is not
- It is not a ban on selling the tools.
- It is not a licence requirement for owning them at home.
- It does not give anyone the right to open a car that is not theirs. Entering someone else's vehicle without permission is a separate offence.
Why a kit is a risk to your own car
- Door damage. Forcing a gap in the frame can bend the door or tear the weatherstripping.
- Wiring and linkage. Modern doors carry window, lock and airbag wiring close to the lock rods.
- Alarms. A forced entry can set the alarm off or trigger the immobilizer.
- It looks like a break-in. A neighbour or a passing officer cannot tell the difference.
Many newer cars cannot be opened this way at all without damage.
Better ways to get into your locked car
- If a child or pet is inside, call 911.
- Check roadside assistance. Your manufacturer, BCAA, a credit card or an insurance add-on may already cover a lockout. See what car insurance covers.
- Call a licensed local locksmith and ask for the total price first. See what a car lockout costs.
- Use your phone. Many newer cars have an app that unlocks the doors.
This is general information, not legal advice. For your own situation, speak to a lawyer or contact your local police non-emergency line.
Locked out right now?
EZ Locksmith opens cars without damage across Surrey, Langley, Delta, White Rock and the Lower Mainland, 24/7. You get the total price before we start.
Common questions
Is it illegal to own a car lockout kit in BC?
Owning one is not an offence by itself. Under section 351(1) of the Criminal Code, possession is an offence if you have it without lawful excuse and know it has been used or is intended to be used to break into a vehicle or other property.
Can I use a lockout kit on my own car?
Legally you are opening your own property, but the risk of damage is high, especially on newer cars. A locksmith or roadside service is safer.
Do locksmiths use lockout kits?
Locksmiths use professional tools and training, and are accountable for any damage. We confirm the owner's identity before opening a vehicle.
Will insurance cover damage from a DIY lockout attempt?
Possibly not. Check your policy before trying it yourself.