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 Minnesota, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, often referred to as 'joyriding,' is addressed under Minnesota Statutes section 609.52, which covers theft. While joyriding does not require the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle, it is still considered a crime. The key distinction between theft and unauthorized use is the element of intent. For a theft charge, the prosecution must prove the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. However, for unauthorized use, the temporary deprivation or use without consent is sufficient for a charge. Penalties for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Minnesota can vary based on the circumstances but typically include fines, restitution, and possible jail time. It is important to note that this crime can apply to various motor-propelled vehicles, including cars, boats, motorcycles, and airplanes.