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 Mississippi, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, commonly referred to as 'joyriding,' is a distinct criminal offense from theft or grand larceny. Under Mississippi law, the key element of this crime is operating or using a vehicle without the owner's consent, but without the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. This is outlined in the Mississippi Code under Section 97-17-70, which states that taking away a motor vehicle without the intent to steal is punishable as a misdemeanor. The penalties for unauthorized use are generally less severe than those for vehicle theft, reflecting the lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. However, repeat offenses or causing damage to the vehicle can result in harsher penalties. It's important to note that laws can vary significantly by state, and the specific statutes and penalties applicable in Mississippi may differ from those in other states.