Car Lockout in Columbia, SC

Heat inside a locked car

A Columbia summer can bring 100°F days, 3.5 a year on average from 1991 to 2020 according to NOAA's state climate summary, and a closed car in the sun gets much hotter than the air outside it. If a child, a pet or anyone who cannot get out is inside, call 911 right away and do not wait for a locksmith. If you are the one stranded outside the car, wait in shade or indoors within sight of it.

Meters and enforcement while you wait

City Parking Services enforces parking citywide from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays in the Five Points and Bull Street districts. A locked car cannot be moved, so if it sits at a meter during those times, note how much time is left and mention it when you ask for help. On the city's approved public holidays there is no on-street enforcement and deck gates are raised.

Location details to send

Cars in Columbia get locked in very different spots, and the useful details change with the spot:

• At a meter: the block and the nearest cross street, plus which side of the street.
• In a city parking deck: the deck name, the level, and the space number or nearest stairwell.
• At a house or apartment complex: the address or complex name and where the car sits in the lot.
• Near USC or in the Vista: a business name or landmark that is easy to spot.

Also give the year, make, model and color, and say where the keys are: in the ignition, on a seat, in the trunk, or missing. Mention whether the engine is running. If the keys are gone for good, you may need car key replacement as well.

South Carolina Locksmith Pros takes service requests from homes, businesses and drivers in Columbia. The car lockout page covers the service basics, and Columbia the city's notes.