From viral social media posts to alarming warning emails, the internet is no stranger to car-related horror stories. One persistent urban legend claims that a penny wedged into a car door handle signals that thieves are nearby, planning to steal your vehicle.
The story goes like this: a criminal places a penny in the door handle of a parked car, supposedly disabling its electronic locking system. When the driver walks away thinking the car is locked, the thief can sneak in and drive off easily.
But is there any truth to this?
Let’s unpack the myth and hear what experts have to say about whether your car is really at risk from a penny in the door handle.
Where the Myth Started
The rumor gained momentum around 2015, spreading quickly on social media and through forwarded emails. The idea was that inserting a penny or small object into the passenger-side door handle could jam the lock or confuse the electronic system, preventing the doors from locking properly.
Photos of pennies stuck in door handles circulated, often with scary captions: “If you see this on your car, don’t drive off! Call the police immediately — your safety may be at risk!”
This caused concern among drivers, especially women and solo travelers, and even prompted warnings on community Facebook pages and local news. But like many urban legends, the fear far outweighed the facts.
Debunking the Penny-in-Door Myth
Multiple professionals—mechanics, auto security experts, and car makers—have confirmed the penny myth is false. Snopes reached out to Caliber Collision Repair in New York to ask if placing a penny in a car door handle can disable the electronic locks.
Their answer? Absolutely not.
Modern key fob systems are designed to resist tampering through mechanical parts. Putting a coin or any small object in the handle doesn’t interfere with the signals or electronics controlling the locks.
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