How to Get Out of a Locked Car

Last Updated: April 17, 2024

Should you ever happen to be stuck in a car that just won't unlock, try the following ways to free yourself and your passengers. Always put safety before everything else and do your best to respond calmly to the situation.

Steps

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1
Don't panic. ^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source} Cars are not airtight, just breathe normally and you'll get all the oxygen you need. If you have been in an accident or it's too hot or cold in the car, stay calm and work quickly to try to get out. Speed is only of the essence if the car is likely to burn or if the temperature is rising or falling quickly.
- If you are feeling too hot, remove clothing. Too cold, add clothing. Be especially attentive to children, the elderly and pets who are likely to feel temperature extremes much faster.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Quick and Easy Ways Out

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Try to open every door that you are able to reach to see if every door is locked. If you have had an accident or being wedged in somehow, it's possible that not all the doors are locked. If you find one that opens, exit through this one, being sure to check for traffic and pedestrians before you do so. Help others to get out.
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If a window will unwind, you can climb out of it to get out of the car. Check each window that can be unwound to see if any work. If so, carefully climb out without placing pressure on the glass if it is still visible. Check for traffic and pedestrians before freeing yourself from the car. Help others to get out.
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3
Call for help. Call your usual automobile association rescue crew and have them come out to release you from the car. Explain what has happened and make it very clear if the need is urgent due to the temperature and having children on board, etc. They may consider sending emergency services to you if that proves to be faster. ^{[2]
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- You could call emergency services direct instead if you consider that would be more appropriate in the situation. ^{[3]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Getting Attention if You Can't Get Help Fast

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1
Use this approach if you are around people. Note that this method may not be useful if you need to get out in a hurry, such as if you're concerned that the car might be about to catch on fire after an accident. Try to attract the attention of someone passing by. Try one or more of these approaches:
- Bang on the inside of the windows and call out to attract attention.
- Write a note and hold it against the window to explain that you need help to get out.
- Wave something around in the car to attract attention.
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If they do, then you can get out of the car via that door. If they do not, ask the person if they can seek help for you or perhaps break the door or window in some way.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Breaking Your Way Out of the Car

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1
Consider breaking a window. This means making a mess and potentially causing injury, so take precautions to lessen the harm. Avoid the windshield unless you have no other choice, as it's made to be unbreakable (safety glass) and even if you did manage to shatter it, the stickiness of safety glass can make it hard to get through and you'd need to push the majority of it out before you could get out. Side and rear windows are the best options for escape.
- If you have no tools or heavy objects to break the window with, use your feet. If you have high heels, these might work when placed at the center of the window. Aim to kick near the front of the window or along the hinges (see the demonstration in the video below). Be aware that it's very hard to break a window by kicking, so find these breakpoints.
- If you have a heavy object, aim for the center of the window. A rock, hammer, steering wheel lock, umbrella, screwdriver, laptop, large camera, etc., might all serve as suitable battering objects. Even the keys might work if you're strong enough.
  - If you've already thought ahead, you might have a window breaking tool handy in the car. There are various tools available, such as a "center punch", which is a small tool that could be easily stowed in the driver's side door or on the dashboard, for fast retrieval. This power punch is usually spring-loaded and can also be found in a hammer shape. Failing that, you could also carry your own small hammer.
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2
Get out with extreme care. Help passengers to get out with the same extreme care; in particular, don't drag them over the glass but lift up and over. You may be able to open a door from the outside rather than having to have every other person clamber out. Call your repairer to come tow the car away for fixing and get a taxi home.
- If there has been an accident, report to police.

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My keys won't come out of the ignition of my BMW when I turn it off. What should I do?

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Check to see if the shift stick, or gear indicator lever, is in park before you try to take the keys out.

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How does this ever happen?

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Some vehicles have electric door locks that might not unlock if the vehicle has been involved in a collision that damaged the battery or the fuse panel.

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Socks would be a good idea to leave on if using your foot to break the window.

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Warnings

You may be cut by glass if you choose to break it. Be sure to shield children, pets and other passengers, and guard your eyes in particular when attempting to break glass.

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How to Get Out of a Locked Car

Steps

Quick and Easy Ways Out

Getting Attention if You Can't Get Help Fast

Breaking Your Way Out of the Car

Community Q&A

Tips

Warnings

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