It is a criminal offense to use or operate a motor vehicle, boat, airplane, motorcycle, or other motor-propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner or other person authorized to give consent. This crime is generally known as (1) unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, (2) unauthorized use of a vehicle, or (3) joyriding.

The difference between this crime and the crime of theft is that the state does not have to prove a person charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle intended to keep the vehicle or permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle.

Laws regarding the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle vary from state to state and are generally found in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code or the vehicle code.

In Alaska, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, commonly referred to as 'joyriding,' is a criminal offense under Alaska Statutes. Specifically, Alaska Statute 28.35.400 addresses the unauthorized use of vehicles and states that a person commits the crime of vehicle theft in the first degree if they take control of a vehicle with the intent to use it temporarily without the consent of the owner or lawful possessor. Unlike theft, the state does not need to prove the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. The crime is considered a Class C felony, which can result in significant penalties including imprisonment, fines, and a criminal record. The relevant laws are found within the state's penal code and vehicle code, and the exact charges and penalties may vary based on the circumstances of the unauthorized use, such as the value of the vehicle and any damage caused.