Patent ID: 8179271

Claim:
A vehicle key for outputting a start permit signal to a vehicle including a train, a motorbike, and an automobile, and for either starting a prime mover of the vehicle or setting the prime mover in a ready state for starting, the key comprising: a signal output means for outputting the start permit signal, the start permit signal being a radio wave or infrared light signal; a breath component detection means for detecting at least one of alcohol and drug contained in a breath of a user; and a prevention means for preventing the start permit signal outputted by the signal output means from arriving at the vehicle in accordance with a detection result of the breath component detection means, wherein the prevention means includes: a shield means for shielding the start permit signal that is outputted from the signal output means; and a drive means for moving the shield means from a shield position, at which the start permit signal of the signal output means is shielded, to an evacuation position, at which the start permit signal fails to be shielded, in accordance with the detection result of the breath component detection means.