KeyRomania

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


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