US Patent 7145264 Electronic automobile anti-theft apparatus

An electronic automobile anti-theft apparatus having high reliability includes a motor, which moves a lock pin to lock a steering shaft of an automobile. A solenoid maintains the lock pin in a state released from the steering shaft and operates to permit the lock pin to lock the steering shaft by receiving power. An ECU controls the operations of the motor and the solenoid. A mechanical switch stops supplying the solenoid with power to prevent unintentional locking by the lock pin when the automobile is being driven or when driving of the automobile is enabled.