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 Florida, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, often referred to as 'joyriding,' is addressed under Florida Statutes Section 812.014 as theft. However, the distinction between joyriding and theft lies in the intent of the person using the vehicle. For a charge of theft, the state must prove that the individual intended to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. In contrast, for joyriding, the prosecution does not need to establish this intent to permanently deprive. Instead, it must show that the individual used or operated the vehicle without the consent of the owner or an authorized person. The unauthorized use of a vehicle can result in criminal charges that vary in severity depending on the circumstances, including the value of the vehicle and any damage caused. Penalties can range from misdemeanor charges for less valuable vehicles to felony charges for more valuable ones or if the unauthorized use involves other aggravating factors.