To combat an increasing level of vehicle theft, Transport Canada will require carmakers to build new cars with a standard ignition immobilizer after this month. Reports indicate that the regulation has taken place as of the beginning of this month, and that the device is to be mandatory in new cars, light trucks, vans and SUV's. An ignition immobilizer is an electronic system designed to prevent the vehicle's engine from being started without the key being present in the ignition. Thousands of vehicles were stolen in Canada last year, the intent ranging from joy-riding to dismantling and parting out of vehicle components to shipping overseas as part of an organized crime.Immobilizers, in addition to preventing thefts, can prevent subsequent accidents, injuries and fatalities which may result- the logic being that if the device makes it harder for the car to steal, it also makes it harder for it to be driven in the wrong hands. An additional benefit to security and peace of mind, customers who install an immobilizer on their car, or purchase a new vehicle fitted with one, can often expect a discount on their auto insurance.
Anti-theft systems to be mandatory in new cars