Abstract: A remote control device for motor vehicles having a transmitter for wireless transmission activated only when the user has been recognized as the authorized user. An identification device recognizes the authorization and is assembled with the transmitter in a single module. The identification device records personal and individual characteristics of the user and transmits the recorded information to the vehicle, as well as performs the verification check of the within the vehicle.

Abstract: According to the inventive method for operating a vehicle, the authorization to access the vehicle is given in a dialogue between a control device which is fixed in the vehicle and an authorization verification device which is carried by the user. Said authorization verification device is also used to enable the vehicle drive unit to start. According to the invention, the authorization verification device is interrogated for the purpose of starting the vehicle drive unit independently of the process for establishing access authorization. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the inventive method. The memory of said device is part of an activating unit for the vehicle drive unit.