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 Ohio, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle is addressed under Ohio Revised Code Section 2913.03, which defines the offense as 'Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.' This statute makes it a criminal offense to knowingly use or operate a vehicle without the consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent. The key distinction between this crime and auto theft (grand theft auto) is the lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. Unauthorized use is often considered a lesser offense because it typically involves temporary control or use of the vehicle, commonly referred to as 'joyriding.' The crime of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Ohio is generally classified as a misdemeanor of the first degree, but it can be elevated to a felony under certain circumstances, such as if the offender has previously been convicted of a motor vehicle-related offense. Penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense and the offender's criminal history.
