Finding a penny wedged into a car door handle can feel unsettling. As the article notes, “Finding a penny tucked inside a car’s door handle is the kind of odd detail that can make anyone pause.” Because we expect our cars to look exactly as we left them, an unfamiliar object can quickly raise questions about intent.

Online, some theories suggest coins are used for tampering. One claim is that “pennies or other small objects can be used to interfere with older mechanical door locks,” potentially stopping a door from fully latching. This idea sounds serious, which is why it continues to circulate and cause concern.

In reality, that explanation is mostly outdated. “Modern vehicles use electronic locking systems that aren’t affected by a wedged coin.” While the story spreads fear, it rarely applies to today’s cars, making deliberate interference unlikely in most cases.

A simpler explanation is far more common. As the article points out, “parking lots are busy places,” where coins fall from pockets, children play, or objects get knocked around. A penny can easily end up in an odd spot by accident, without any harmful intent.

Overall, “most of the time, these odd surprises are harmless.” It’s smart to stay alert—check that your doors lock properly and look for damage—but a single penny is usually just a coincidence. If it happens repeatedly or you notice signs of tampering, contacting security can help. In most cases, it’s simply “a random object in an unexpected place.”