Car Lockout in Boise, ID

Locked out at a downtown meter

A car lockout means getting into a car without harming the lock, the glass or the door seals, then confirming the car is yours. Downtown, the clock matters. The city's downtown parking page lists meter enforcement Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a two-hour limit in Zones 1 and 2 and four hours in Zone 3. If your keys are locked inside at a meter, note the zone and how much time is left when you ask for help, and add time to the meter if you can. Read the posted signs at your space. This is general information, not legal advice.

Mall and strip-mall lots in West Boise

West Boise, which borders Meridian, holds Boise Towne Square, the largest mall in Idaho, along with many strip malls. In a lot that size, a street address is not enough. Give the nearest entrance or store, any row or light-pole marker, and the car's color and plate so it can be found among the others.

Heat and anyone inside

NOAA puts Boise's average July high at 92.7°F, and a closed car gets far hotter than the air outside. If a child, a pet or anyone who cannot get out is locked inside, call 911 first rather than waiting for a locksmith. In winter, a lockout can happen while the engine runs to warm the car; say so if it is running, and wait somewhere warm.

Location details to send

• Exact location: the meter zone and block downtown, or the lot and nearest store elsewhere, plus cross streets.
• Year, make, model, color and plate.
• Where the keys are: visible inside, in the trunk, or missing. If they are gone, you need car key replacement rather than a lockout.
• A photo ID and the registration, or a note that the registration is in the car.

The automotive locksmith page lists related car services, and the Boise page covers the city.