KeyPortugal

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


173. Key

A key is a device used to unlock a vehicle and authorise its operation. Traditional vehicle keys use a mechanical blade, while modern vehicles commonly use electronic transponders, remote-control key fobs or keyless systems that communicate electronically with the vehicle.

Many modern keys work together with an immobiliser that prevents the engine or propulsion system from being activated unless an authorised key is detected. Replacement or duplicate keys may therefore need to be electronically programmed to the vehicle.

Key
Car keys of a Porsche, Ferrari and BMW.
Wikimedia.org • chen chin • CC BY
What does a modern car key do?

A modern car key can unlock and lock the vehicle and authorise the engine or electric propulsion system to start. It may use a mechanical blade, electronic transponder, remote-control functions or a keyless system.

What is a transponder key?

A transponder key contains an electronic identification device that communicates with the vehicle's immobiliser. If the correct code is not recognised, the vehicle normally prevents the engine or propulsion system from being started.

What should you do if you lose a vehicle key?

Use a spare key if available and arrange a replacement through an appropriate dealer, locksmith or vehicle specialist. Modern replacement keys often need to be programmed to the vehicle's electronic security system.

1 Portugal 2 Motorway 3 Zone 4 Speed limit 5 Bike path 6 Bus stop 7 Dead end 8 Stop sign 9 Roundabout 10 Railway crossing 11 Mandatory direction 12 School area 13 Overtaking 14 Crossing animals 15 Wrong-way driving 16 Traffic lights 17 Traffic mirror 18 International border 19 Parking 20 No parking 21 Disabled parking 22 Reversing 23 Tourist attraction 24 Licence plate 25 Charging station 26 Bus 27 Police 28 Ambulance 29 European emission standard 30 Pothole 31 Path 32 Particulates 33 Air pollution 34 Rush hour 35 Road code 36 Street gutter 37 Cargo bike 38 Forestry vehicle 39 Construction vehicle 40 Semi-trailer truck 41 Trolleybus 42 Speed pedelec 43 Delivery vehicle 44 Idling 45 Tow truck 46 Four-wheel drive 47 Bicycle 48 Motorcycle equipment 49 Rail track 50 Caravan 51 Trailer 52 Tow hitch 53 Fire truck 54 Siren 55 Convoy 56 Emergency vehicle lighting 57 Agricultural machinery 58 Electric bicycle 59 Electric vehicle 60 Pedelec 61 Quadricycle 62 Microcar 63 All-terrain vehicle 64 Van 65 Recreational vehicle 66 Scooter 67 Trikke 68 Personal mobility device 69 Skateboard 70 Segway 71 Kick scooter 72 Roller skates 73 Mailman 74 Hitchhiker 75 Toddler 76 Child 77 Disability 78 Motorail 79 km/h 80 mph 81 Speedometer 82 Ride height 83 Dirt road 84 Driving 85 Start-stop system 86 Manual transmission 87 Automatic transmission 88 Throttle 89 Tachometer 90 Steering wheel 91 Power steering 92 Visual scanning 93 Mirror 94 Fuel 95 Fuel gauge 96 Petrol 97 Diesel 98 Diesel exhaust fluid 99 Car insurance 100 First aid kit ... 101 Fire extinguisher 102 High-visibility clothing 103 First aid 104 Concrete step barrier 105 Barriers 106 Vehicle lights 107 Street lights 108 Dipped beam 109 High beam 110 Fog lights 111 Front fog lights 112 Rear fog lights 113 Side lights 114 Turn signals 115 Hazard lights 116 Dashboard lights 117 Bicycle lighting 118 Bicycle bell 119 Headlight flashing 120 Seat belt 121 Child restraints 122 Head restraints 123 Airbag 124 ABS 125 Esp 126 Traction control system 127 Helmet 128 Bicycle helmet 129 Hands-free 130 Smartphone 131 GPS 132 Brake 133 Handbrake 134 Brake fluid 135 Tyres 136 Tyre code 137 Winter tyres 138 Tyre pressure 139 Snow chains 140 Bicycle tyre 141 Continuous track 142 Gross Vehicle Weight 143 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 144 Cargo 145 Car body 146 Trunk 147 Roof rack 148 Windscreen 149 Emergency hammer 150 Car battery 151 Traction battery 152 Suspension 153 Shock absorber 154 Spring 155 Exhaust 156 Exhaust gas 157 Soot 158 Catalytic converter 159 Engine 160 Petrol engine 161 Diesel engine 162 Electric motor 163 Timing belt 164 Glow plug 165 Cylinder 166 Engine oil 167 Coolant 168 Maintenance 169 Spare tyre 170 Flat tyre 171 Jack 172 Vehicle inspection 173 Key 174 Dashboard 175 Windscreen wiper 176 Doors 177 Glovebox 178 Visibility 179 Rain 180 Fog 181 Hail 182 Sunlight 183 Sunglasses 184 Salt 185 Air conditioning 186 Hydroplaning 187 Distraction 188 Emotions 189 Road rage 190 Health 191 Epilepsy 192 Night blindness 193 Visual impairment 194 Fatigue 195 Defects 196 Traffic violation 197 Alcohol 198 Alcohol control 199 Ignition interlock device 200 Breath test 201 Breath analysis 202 Blood alcohol content 203 Blood test 204 Saliva test 205 Drugs 206 Medication 207 Penalties 208 Speeding 209 Smoking 210 Traffic enforcement camera 211 Accident 212 Injuries 213 Nosebleed 214 Damage 215 Breakdown 216 Warning triangle 217 Traffic rules 218 Driving school 219 Traffic signs