Car criminals aren’t picking locks any longer; they’re picking signals. With high-tech gadgets designed to mimic, replicate, and block the legitimate car access, the criminals have exploited your vehicle’s electronics to render them useless. The UK Government’s 2025 Act will tackle the problem that we are discussing today by re-shaping both what is legal, what is banned, and what every vehicle owner now has to install to remain legal. Vehicle Security Devices are now more essential than ever to protect your car from sophisticated theft methods.
This is much more than the banning of devices; it’s about changing the narrative for vehicle security devices to demand smarter technology and seek increased standards. This is what’s changed, what is now illegal, and what products from Lock & Track will continue to help you avoid.
What led TO THIS 2025 action?+
The recent spike in keyless car thefts, often using relay devices and signal jammers, has revealed serious weaknesses in the current state of car security. Criminals were able to cheaply use off-the-shelf technology to defeat immobilisers, duplicate the key signal, and bypass alarms, mostly in less than 60 seconds.
Per the Home Office, the increase in car thefts was not only limited to high-end vehicles, but everyday vehicles suddenly became easy pickings, and it was a contributing factor to a 30% increase in theft-related insurance claims in the years between 2022 and 2024.
Consequently, the UK government implemented new regulations early in 2025 aimed at:
- Banning the sale and ownership of illicit unlocking devices.
- Establishing higher manufacturing standards for aftermarket vehicle security devices.
- Putting drivers and commercial fleet operators on notice that they must use permitted, non-tamperable systems.
Items Banned Under the 2025 Law
The 2025 law lays out certain types of devices that are now prohibited to possess, sell, or distribute:
- Signal Jammers- devices were used to jam a tracker signal or to disrupt remote lock capabilities.
- Relay Boxes- devices that criminals commonly use to trick a car by pretending to be in proximity with a car key, allowing criminals to unlock and start vehicles.
- Key Programming Tools (unlicensed) – devices that are used to override manufacturer protocols and program key fobs.
These devices have been referred to as “theft-enabling equipment” and can, without a lawful purpose, be possessed, resulting in arrest, seizure, and prosecution.
Recognised Standards for Legal Vehicle Security Devices
As action against criminal tech intensifies, the government encourages the shift to a more secure alternative to malicious intent. These new regulations support the use of certified vehicle security devices that meet the updated standards for the Thatcham Category and other industry standards.
Included features that are now considered a minimum standard for compliance are:
- Encrypted immobilisers
- Real-time GPS tracking, which comes with a remote lockout
- Two-factor authentication for vehicle access
- Device tamper alerts with cloud backup
- Driver recognition (biometric or app)
Fleet managers, logistics operators, and even individual vehicle owners must now ensure that the device they have installed complies with the new safety standards.
How does lock and track updates with the new rules?
The product lineup at Lock & Track has already been realigned to meet the legal and security requirements of 2025. From van tracking systems to an array of fleet monitoring dashboards, every solution is centred on compliance, data integrity, and preventing theft.
Some prevalent legal-compliant systems include:
- Remote Immobilisers – providing owners the ability to kill the engine from anywhere in case of unauthorised access to their vehicle.
- AI-Based Route Monitoring – learns habitual driver behaviour and can alert users if something appears different.
- OBD Port Locking Devices – This technology firmly secures the access point of the vehicle to preclude the installation or tampering of any devices.
All products are sold with certification and integrate with existing fleet management software. Most importantly, Lock & Track’s assets are now to stay ahead, not just comply.
What This Means for Vehicle Owners and Businesses
The government’s position is not about restrictions; it is about responsibilities. While for private owners, remaining safe is about more than just locking your vehicle, for commercial vehicles, not being compliant could have unfortunate consequences such as substantial fines, denial of insurance coverage, or worse yet, an entire fleet of vehicles left open to a future attack.
These regulations place new requirements on manufacturers and dealers to make sure that any security device sold or installed in a vehicle comes pre-certified and registered as compliant with the rules.
What is the Next Step
If you are a courier company operating hundreds of vans, or if you are a driver only trying to keep your vehicle safe from theft, now is the time to inventory your current security solution. Check if your solution is:
- Compliance with 2025 legislation
- Tamper-proof and encrypted
- Supported with real-time monitoring and remote control
If not, it is time to update. Visit Lock & Track and see a certified, government-compliant offer tailored for both individual and fleet vehicles. To read reviews and see what others say about Lock & Track, click here.
Last Word
2025 brings a serious change in vehicle technology. Vehicle theft evolution requires a faster evolution of vehicle security devices. The government has officially taken a stand. Now it is up to all vehicle owners to choose a side of that line.
