Vehicular manslaughter is a criminal offense defined as the unintentional killing (homicide) of another person as a result of criminal negligence or recklessness while operating a motor vehicle—often while the operator is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, engaged in a high risk activity such as street racing, or committing a misdemeanor or infraction offense (speeding) with ordinary negligence.

Vehicular manslaughter is usually a felony offense and often includes significant jail or prison time as potential punishment. Vehicular manslaughter laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Minnesota, vehicular manslaughter, often referred to as 'criminal vehicular homicide,' is addressed under Minnesota Statutes Section 609.21. This statute defines the offense as causing the death of another person as a result of operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner, in a negligent manner while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or any combination of these substances, or where the driver leaves the scene of the accident. Additionally, it can occur if the driver was aware that the vehicle had a mechanical defect that affected its safe operation. The offense is considered a felony in Minnesota and carries severe penalties, including potential imprisonment. The exact sentence can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, such as the driver's level of negligence and whether they were under the influence of substances at the time of the incident.