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KeyColombia

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

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Colombia

158. 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 Colombia 2 Speed limit 3 Pedestrian warning 4 Slope 5 Bus stop 6 Stop sign 7 School area 8 Crossing animals 9 Traffic lights 10 Reversing 11 Cyclist 12 Bus 13 Police 14 Ambulance 15 Pothole 16 Path 17 Particulates 18 Air pollution 19 Rush hour 20 Road code 21 Street gutter 22 Cargo bike 23 Forestry vehicle 24 Construction vehicle 25 Semi-trailer truck 26 Trolleybus 27 Speed pedelec 28 Delivery vehicle 29 Idling 30 Tow truck 31 Four-wheel drive 32 Bicycle 33 Motorcycle equipment 34 Rail track 35 Caravan 36 Trailer 37 Tow hitch 38 Fire truck 39 Siren 40 Convoy 41 Emergency vehicle lighting 42 Agricultural machinery 43 Electric bicycle 44 Electric vehicle 45 Pedelec 46 Quadricycle 47 Microcar 48 All-terrain vehicle 49 Van 50 Recreational vehicle 51 Scooter 52 Trikke 53 Personal mobility device 54 Skateboard 55 Segway 56 Kick scooter 57 Roller skates 58 Mailman 59 Hitchhiker 60 Toddler 61 Child 62 Disability 63 Motorail 64 km/h 65 mph 66 Speedometer 67 Ride height 68 Dirt road 69 Driving 70 Start-stop system 71 Manual transmission 72 Automatic transmission 73 Throttle 74 Tachometer 75 Steering wheel 76 Power steering 77 Visual scanning 78 Mirror 79 Fuel 80 Fuel gauge 81 Petrol 82 Diesel 83 Diesel exhaust fluid 84 Car insurance 85 First aid kit 86 Fire extinguisher 87 High-visibility clothing 88 First aid 89 Concrete step barrier 90 Barriers 91 Vehicle lights 92 Street lights 93 Dipped beam 94 High beam 95 Fog lights 96 Front fog lights 97 Rear fog lights 98 Side lights 99 Turn signals 100 Hazard lights ... 101 Dashboard lights 102 Bicycle lighting 103 Bicycle bell 104 Headlight flashing 105 Seat belt 106 Child restraints 107 Head restraints 108 Airbag 109 ABS 110 Esp 111 Traction control system 112 Helmet 113 Bicycle helmet 114 Hands-free 115 Smartphone 116 GPS 117 Brake 118 Handbrake 119 Brake fluid 120 Tyres 121 Tyre code 122 Winter tyres 123 Tyre pressure 124 Snow chains 125 Bicycle tyre 126 Continuous track 127 Gross Vehicle Weight 128 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 129 Cargo 130 Car body 131 Trunk 132 Roof rack 133 Windscreen 134 Emergency hammer 135 Car battery 136 Traction battery 137 Suspension 138 Shock absorber 139 Spring 140 Exhaust 141 Exhaust gas 142 Soot 143 Catalytic converter 144 Engine 145 Petrol engine 146 Diesel engine 147 Electric motor 148 Timing belt 149 Glow plug 150 Cylinder 151 Engine oil 152 Coolant 153 Maintenance 154 Spare tyre 155 Flat tyre 156 Jack 157 Vehicle inspection 158 Key 159 Dashboard 160 Windscreen wiper 161 Doors 162 Glovebox 163 Visibility 164 Rain 165 Fog 166 Hail 167 Sunlight 168 Sunglasses 169 Salt 170 Air conditioning 171 Hydroplaning 172 Distraction 173 Emotions 174 Road rage 175 Health 176 Epilepsy 177 Night blindness 178 Visual impairment 179 Fatigue 180 Defects 181 Traffic violation 182 Alcohol 183 Alcohol control 184 Ignition interlock device 185 Breath test 186 Breath analysis 187 Blood alcohol content 188 Blood test 189 Saliva test 190 Drugs 191 Medication 192 Penalties 193 Speeding 194 Smoking 195 Traffic enforcement camera 196 Accident 197 Injuries 198 Nosebleed 199 Damage 200 Breakdown 201 Warning triangle 202 Traffic rules 203 Driving school 204 Traffic signs