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 North Carolina, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, often referred to as 'joyriding,' is a criminal offense distinct from theft or larceny of a vehicle. Under North Carolina General Statutes § 14-72.2, a person is guilty of this crime if they willfully take or operate a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner or the owner's authorized representative. Unlike theft, the prosecution does not need to prove that the individual intended to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle; it is sufficient to show that the vehicle was used without permission. This offense is typically classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor in North Carolina, which can result in penalties including fines, probation, and jail time. However, the exact punishment can vary based on the circumstances of the case and the individual's criminal history.