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 Utah, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, commonly referred to as 'joyriding,' is addressed under Utah Code § 41-1a-1314. This statute makes it a criminal offense to exercise unauthorized control over someone else's vehicle with the intent to temporarily deprive the owner of it. Unlike theft, the prosecutor does not need to prove that the individual intended to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. The offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances, such as the value of the vehicle and the offender's criminal history. Penalties may include fines, imprisonment, and restitution to the vehicle's owner. It's important to note that the specific charges and penalties can vary based on the details of the incident, and an attorney can provide guidance on the potential legal consequences of such an offense in Utah.