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 Colorado, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, often referred to as 'joyriding,' is addressed under Colorado Revised Statutes Title 18 (Criminal Code), specifically in the section dealing with theft and related offenses. The crime is distinct from motor vehicle theft in that the prosecution does not need to prove an intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. Instead, it is sufficient to show that the individual used or operated the vehicle without the consent of the owner or the person authorized to give consent. This offense is typically considered a lesser offense than vehicle theft, but it still carries potential criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The exact charges and penalties can vary based on the circumstances of the case, such as the value of the vehicle and the defendant's criminal history.