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 Alabama, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, commonly referred to as 'joyriding,' is addressed under Alabama Code Section 13A-8-10, which defines the offense as 'Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.' This statute makes it a crime to take, operate, or exercise control over a vehicle without the consent of the owner or the person authorized to give consent. Unlike theft, the prosecution does not need to prove that the individual intended to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle, only that they used it without permission. The offense is considered a Class A misdemeanor in Alabama, which can result in penalties including up to one year in jail and fines. The specific charge and potential penalties may vary depending on the circumstances of the case, such as prior offenses or any damage caused during the unauthorized use.