A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to regulate the possession of motor vehicle master keys and other motor vehicle lock-picking devices.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 14 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 14‑56A. Preparation to commit breaking or entering into motor vehicles.
(a)	For purposes of this section:
(1)	"Manipulative key" means a key, device or instrument, other than a key that is designed to operate a specific lock, that can be variably positioned and manipulated in a vehicle keyway to operate a lock or cylinder or multiple locks or cylinders, including a wiggle key, jiggle key or rocket key.
(2)	"Master key" means a key that operates all the keyed locks or cylinders in a similar type or group of locks.
(b)	If any person, with intent to commit any felony, larceny, or unauthorized use of a motor propelled conveyance, is found to have in their possession, without lawful excuse, any motor vehicle master key or other motor vehicle lock picking device, such as a jiggler key, that person shall be punished as a Class I felon.
(c)	No person shall buy, sell, or transfer a motor vehicle master key, manipulative key or device, key‑cutting device, lock pick or lock-picking device or hot wire, designed to open or capable of opening the door or trunk of any motor vehicle or of starting the engine of a motor vehicle. Any person who violates this subsection shall be punished as a Class I felon. 
(d)	This section shall not apply to any person who is a bona fide dealer of new or used motor vehicles, a car rental agent, a locksmith, a person who is lawfully repossessing a vehicle, a state, county, or municipal law‑enforcement officer who is acting within the scope of official duties. Nor shall this section apply to a bona fide business which has a key‑cutting device located and used on the premises for the purpose of making replacement keys for the owner or person who is in lawful custody of a vehicle."
SECTION 2. This act becomes effective December 1, 2005, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.