New Jersey Bill S-2591

AN ACT concerning locksmiths and motor vehicle dealers and supplementing P.L. 1997, c. 305 (C. 45:5A-23 et seq.) and chapter 10 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes.

Prohibits dealers and locksmiths from reproducing car keys based on motor vehicle identification number alone.

PRIME Sponsor BUCCO /

Suggested allocation: s.1 - 45:5A-28.1; s.2 - 39:10-7.1 or 39:10-24.1;
s.3 - Effective date
AN ACT concerning locksmiths and motor vehicle dealers and supplementing P.L. 1997, c. 305 (C. 45:5A-23 et seq.) and chapter 10 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes.

BE IT ENACTED by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. a. No locksmith shall reproduce an ignition key or other device designed to operate a lock or locks on a motor vehicle or start a motor vehicle for any person without first obtaining from that person and making a permanent record of:
(1) proper proof of ownership of the vehicle by the person requesting duplication of the key or other device; and
(2) proper identification of that person as the owner, pursuant to that proof of ownership, which identification shall include a photograph of the person identifying himself as the owner of the motor vehicle.
b. No locksmith shall reproduce an ignition key or other device designed to operate a lock or locks on a motor vehicle or start a motor vehicle for any person solely on the basis of a motor vehicle identification number.
c. The board shall take disciplinary action, in accordance with P.L. 1978, c., 73 (C. 45:1-14 et seq.), against a licensee or employee who violates any provision of this section.

2. a. No dealer shall reproduce an ignition key or other device designed to operate a lock or locks on a motor vehicle or start a motor vehicle for any person without first obtaining from that person and making a permanent record of:
(1) proper proof of ownership of the vehicle by the person requesting duplication of the key or other device; and
(2) proper identification of that person as the owner, pursuant to that proof of ownership, which identification shall include a photograph of the person identifying himself as the owner of the motor vehicle.
b. No dealer shall reproduce an ignition key or other device designed to operate a lock or locks on a motor vehicle or start a motor vehicle for any person solely on the basis of a motor vehicle identification number.
c. A dealer or employee who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine of not more than $2,000 or by imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both, at the court's discretion.

3. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This bill prohibits motor vehicle dealers and locksmiths from reproducing ignition keys or other devices used to open, start or operate a motor vehicle based simply on the motor vehicle's identification number ("VIN"). It requires the locksmith or dealer to obtain proper proof of ownership of the vehicle by the person requesting duplication of the key or other device and proper photographic identification of that person as the owner, pursuant to that proof of ownership.
A motor vehicle dealer or employee who violates any provision of the bill will be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine of not more than $2,000 or by imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both, at the court's discretion. A locksmith or employee violating the bill's provisions will be subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (under which the "Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee operates) in accordance with P.L. 1978, c. 73 (C. 45:1-14 et seq.).

Prohibits dealers and locksmiths from reproducing car keys based on motor vehicle identification number alone.