Car Lockout in Fort Collins, CO

Where the car is parked matters

A locked car cannot be moved until it is open, so a lockout in Fort Collins often turns on the parking rules where the car sits.

• Stadium-event permit zones. During CSU stadium events with more than 12,000 attendees, six residential permit zones allow only vehicles with a valid permit, from four hours before the event until its scheduled end. The zones are the Sheely and Mantz subdivisions, the Historic Fort Collins High School neighborhood, Western Heights, Lake Street and Gilgalad. Parking there without a permit carries a fine of 100 dollars.
• Event days. If you are locked out in one of these zones, name the zone and the exact block, and note the event's start time, because the permit-only window opens four hours before it.
• Lots and garages. Give the lot or garage name, the level and the row or space number if there is one.

This is general information, not legal advice.

Safety comes first

If a child or a pet is locked in the car, call 911 first; do not wait for a locksmith. If the engine is running with the keys inside, say so, and stay out of traffic while you wait.

What to send

• Where the car is: the street and nearest cross street, the lot or garage name, or the permit zone and block.
• The year, make and model, and whether the car uses a plain key, a remote or a push-button start fob.
• Where the keys are: in the car, in the trunk, or lost. Lost keys mean you also need car key replacement, not just an open door.
• Proof the car is yours. Photo ID helps, and if the registration is inside, mention it and show it once the door is open.

For the service in general, see car lockout; the Fort Collins page lists the city's other parking rules.