What is a Category 3 anti-theft device?

Exact classifications may vary according to individual state law, but generally, the category definitions remain similar. Texas law defines the classifications as follows:

Category I - Any of the following devices:

Fuel cut-off, ignition cut-off, or starter cut-off device to prevent the car from starting or running.
Window identification system. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched into at least two windows (other than small vent windows).
Alarm device with horn bell, or other sounding device activated by a door, hood and trunk sensor.
Steel collar covering the steering column, to prevent access to the ignition system.

Category II - Both of the following are required:

Fuel cut-off, ignition cut-off, or starter cut-off device to prevent the car from starting or running.
Alarm device with automatic shut-off and reset.
Plus two or more of the following which activate an alarm system:

• Glass Sensor
• Vibration sensor
• Motion sensor
• Ultrasonic sensor

Category III - Completion of Category II plus both of the following:

• Hood restraint
• Back-up battery

Category IV - Completion of Category III plus:

• A passive method of activating or deactivating the alarm system. "Passive" means it is activated automatically when the driver turns ignition off and removes the key.

Category V - Completion of Category IV plus:

• Stolen motor vehicle recovery device.

DEFINITIONS:

"Alarm" means a motor vehicle's horn, bell, siren or other sounding device that is easily audible at 300 feet.

"Anti-theft device" means a device that helps prevent vandalism to or theft of a motor vehicle or its contents.

"Automatic shut-off and reset" means a system by which an alarm device sounds for not more than four minutes, shuts off, and immediately rearms itself.

"Backup battery" means an auxiliary power source that trips an alarm device if the main power source is disconnected or if wires to the alarm device are cut or disconnected.

"Door sensor" means a mechanical switch that activates the alarm device.

"Fuel Cut-Off" means a system or device which prevents the fuel supply system from being operational. It requires a second system or device to activate the fuel supply system. (e.g. manual valve in fuel line, electrically controlled valve in the fuel line activated by button, toggle switch, etc.)

"Glass sensor" means an electronic device that activates the alarm device if it detects the sound of breaking glass or metal in contact with glass.

"Hood restraint" means a device preventing full access to under-hood components, including chain restraints that allow hood opening a maximum of four inches, a mechanical or electrical device that physically locks the hood down, or a mechanical or electrical device that prevents the factory supplied hood mechanism from operating.

"Hood sensor" means a mechanical switch that activates the alarm device.

"Ignition Cut-Off" means a system or device which prevents the ignition electrical system from being operational. It requires a second system or device to activate the ignition electrical system. (e.g. keypad, button, toggle switch, pass-key, etc.)

"Motion sensor" means a mechanical switch that activates the alarm device if the vehicle is jacked up or towed.

"Passive" describes an anti-theft device or system which is activated automatically when the driver turns the ignition key to the off position and the key is removed.

"Passive method" means a system that includes a motion detection device which cannot be disarmed independently from the remainder of the system and meets all of the following standards:

a. The alarm must be triggered by entry of doors, hood and trunk.
b. The hood must be equipped with either a hood lock and latch mechanism or an inside hood control.
c. The motion sensor must activate the alarm which must sound for no more than four minutes and upon ceasing, must reset itself.
d. The alarm must be installed in the engine compartment so as to be inaccessible without opening the hood.
e. The maximum time delay permitted to disarm the system after re-entry is 20 seconds.
f. The system is equipped with either a redundant starting means or an internal hood lock.