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 Nevada, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, commonly referred to as 'joyriding,' is a distinct criminal offense from theft or grand larceny of a vehicle. Under Nevada law, specifically NRS 205.228, a person who takes or uses a vehicle without the consent of the owner or an authorized person can be charged with the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The key difference between this crime and vehicle theft is the lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. Joyriding is typically considered a less severe offense than vehicle theft, but it still carries legal consequences. Penalties for unauthorized use can include fines, restitution, and imprisonment, and the severity of the punishment can vary based on the circumstances of the offense and the individual's criminal history.