Method for operating a locomotive means and corresponding device

An engine ( 9 ) of a vehicle ( 1 ) is started by first inserting an ignition key ( 3 ) into an ignition lock ( 2 ) of the vehicle ( 1 ). The vehicle ( 1 ) can be started by merely pressing the inserted ignition key, whereby said ignition key ( 3 ) is further inserted into the ignition lock ( 2 ) and takes in a nearly flush position with a dashboard ( 4 ) within which the ignition lock is disposed when the motor runs such that the ignition key ( 3 ) does not constitute a potential hazard in the event of an accident. The engine ( 9 ) is stopped by once again pressing the ignition key ( 3 ). Once the engine ( 9 ) has been stopped, the ignition key ( 3 ) is brought into a position in which the same can be simply removed from the ignition lock ( 2 ) by the driver.