Nebraska § 28-1316 - Unlawful use of locks and keys; penalty; exceptions.
Full text of Nebraska Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 28-1316 — Unlawful use of locks and keys; penalty; exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 28-1316. Unlawful use of locks and keys; penalty; exceptions.
(1) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of locks and keys if he or she:
(a) Sells, offers to sell, or gives to any person other than a law enforcement agency, dealer licensed under the Motor Vehicle Industry Regulation Act, motor vehicle manufacturer, or person regularly carrying on the profession of a locksmith any try-out key, manipulation key, wiggle key, or any other device designed to be used in place of the normal change key of any motor vehicle; or
(b) Has in his or her possession any try-out key, wiggle key, manipulation key, or any other device designed to be used in place of the normal change key of any motor vehicle unless he or she is a locksmith, locksmith manufacturer, dealer licensed under the Motor Vehicle Industry Regulation Act, motor vehicle manufacturer, or law enforcement agency; or
(c) Duplicates a master key for anyone unless written permission has been granted by the person who has legal control of the master key. All master keys shall be stamped with the words DO NOT DUPLICATE. All duplications of master keys shall also be stamped with the words DO NOT DUPLICATE.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall be construed to make it unlawful if:
(a) The owner of two or more vehicles possesses a change key that can be used on two or more vehicles that he or she owns; or
(b) Such owner changes the locks on such vehicle so that they are keyed alike; or
(c) Any person makes or duplicates the original change keys for such an owner; or
(d) Anyone stamps any other type of key with the words DO NOT DUPLICATE.
(3) Unlawful use of locks and keys is a Class III misdemeanor.
Source: official Nebraska text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska § 28-1316
What does Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 28-1316 cover?
Section 28-1316 ("Unlawful use of locks and keys; penalty; exceptions.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska, the codified statutory law of Nebraska. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Nebraska § 28-1316?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 28-1316" (Nebraska). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Nebraska law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Nebraska official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Nebraska attorney.
How does Nebraska § 28-1316 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Nebraska can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Nebraska.