An igniting device for protective devices in vehicles has a pyro-electric igniting element which is associated with an electronic lock and a controlled switch for releasing the application of current to the igniter, and can be combined in an integral component. The application of an igniting signal leads to current being applied to the igniting element only after transmission of an unlocking signal to reliably prevent an unwanted triggering of ignition, for example by accidental application of an external voltage to the connections of the igniting device. The reactive igniting substance can be directly connected to a silicon chip which monolithically implements the electronic lock and the controlled switch.