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 Oklahoma, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, often referred to as 'joyriding,' is a distinct criminal offense from theft or grand larceny of a vehicle. Under Oklahoma law, specifically 21 Okl. St. § 1720, it is illegal to use or operate a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner or the person authorized to give consent. The key element of this crime is the lack of permission from the owner, rather than the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle, which is required for a theft charge. This means that even if the individual intends to return the vehicle, they can still be charged with unauthorized use if they did not have permission to take it in the first place. Penalties for unauthorized use of a vehicle in Oklahoma can include imprisonment, fines, or both, and the severity of the punishment can vary based on the circumstances of the offense and the individual's criminal history.