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 Kansas, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, often referred to as 'joyriding,' is a distinct criminal offense from theft. Kansas law does not require the state to prove an intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle, which is a key element in theft charges. Instead, the crime of unauthorized use is focused on the operation or use of a vehicle without the owner's consent. This offense is typically covered under the Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.), specifically in the criminal code. The penalties for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle can vary, but it is generally treated as a less severe crime than vehicle theft, reflecting the temporary nature of the unauthorized use. However, it still carries legal consequences that can include fines, restitution, and possible jail time, depending on the circumstances and any prior criminal history.