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 Wisconsin, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, often referred to as 'joyriding,' is a criminal offense under state law. Specifically, Wisconsin Statute 943.23(2) addresses the operation of a vehicle without the owner's consent. The key distinction between this crime and auto theft is the element of intent. For a charge of unauthorized use, the state does not need to prove that the individual intended to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle, which is a requirement for a theft charge. Instead, the focus is on the unauthorized operation or use of the vehicle. Penalties for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Wisconsin can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the circumstances of the offense and the individual's criminal history.