The automotive steering column is a device intended primarily for connecting the steering wheel

Steering wheel

A steering wheel is a type of steering control in vehicles and vessels ....

 to the steering

Steering

Steering is the term applied to the collection of components, linkages, etc. which will allow a vessel or vehicle to follow the desired course...

 mechanism or transferring the driver's input torque from the steering wheel.

Secondary functions

A steering column may also perform the following secondary functions:

• energy dissipation management in the event of ay frontal collision;
• provide mounting for: the multi-function switch, column lock, column wiring, column shroud(s), transmission gear selector, gauges or other instruments as well as the electro motor and gear units found in EPAS and SbW systems;
• offer (height and/or length) adjustment to suit driver preference

Steering lock

Modern vehicles are fitted with a steering lock which is an anti-theft device

Motor vehicle theft

Motor vehicle theft is the criminal act of stealing or attempting to steal a motor vehicle...

. It is fitted to the steering column usually below the steering wheel. The lock is combined with the ignition switch and engaged and disengaged either by a mechanical ignition key or electronically from the vehicles electronic control unit

Electronic control unit

In automotive electronics, electronic control unit is a generic term for any embedded system that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in a motor vehicle....

. These locks were introduced on General Motor products in 1969 and on both Ford, Chrysler, and AMC products in 1970.

Regulatory requirements

In the United States, steering columns are governed by several federal regulatory requirements, notably FMVSS 108, 114 and 208.