{"data":{"id":"us-nc/n.c.-gen.-stat.-14-56.4","jurisdiction":"us-nc","citation":"N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-56.4","heading":"Preparation to commit breaking or entering into motor vehicles.","body":"(a)\tFor purposes of this section:\n(1)\t\"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.\n(2)\t\"Master key\" means a key that operates all the keyed locks or cylinders in a similar type or group of locks.\n(b)\tIt is unlawful for any person to possess any motor vehicle master key, manipulative key, or other motor vehicle lock-picking device or hot wiring device, with the intent to commit any felony, larceny, or unauthorized use of a motor propelled conveyance.\n(c)\tIt is unlawful for a person to willfully buy, sell, or transfer a motor vehicle master key, manipulative key or device, key-cutting device, lock pick or lock-picking device, or hot wiring device, designed to open or capable of opening the door or trunk of any motor vehicle or of starting the engine of a motor vehicle for use in any manner prohibited by this section.\n(d)\tViolation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of this section is a Class I felony.\n(e)\tThis section shall not apply to any person who is a dealer of new or used motor vehicles, a car rental agent, a locksmith, an employee of a towing service, an employee of an automotive repair business, a person who is lawfully repossessing a vehicle, or a state, county, or municipal law enforcement officer, when that person is acting within the scope of the person's official duties or employment. This section shall not apply to a 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. (2005-352, s. 1.)","path":["Chapter 14. Criminal Law.","Subchapter IV. Offenses Against the Habitation and Other Buildings.","Article 14. Burglary and Other Housebreakings."],"source_url":"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_14/GS_14-56.4.html","current_through":"S.L. 2026-30","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-27T17:56:32Z","sha256":"4cb58c0dc7104899735f4f19be32a8599a13a8f5464b70923df8f2138c1d97d5","source_id":"us-nc","stale":false,"prev":"us-nc/n.c.-gen.-stat.-14-56.3","next":"us-nc/n.c.-gen.-stat.-14-57"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}