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 Oregon, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle is addressed under ORS 164.135. This statute defines the offense as taking, operating, exercising control over, riding in, or otherwise using a vehicle without the consent of the owner. The key distinction between this crime and theft (ORS 164.015) is that for unauthorized use, the state does not need to prove the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. This means that even if the individual intends to return the vehicle, they can still be charged with unauthorized use if they operated it without permission. Unauthorized use of a vehicle is considered a Class C felony in Oregon, which can result in significant penalties including imprisonment, fines, and a criminal record. It is important for individuals to understand that even seemingly temporary or harmless use of a vehicle without consent can lead to serious criminal charges.