If you ever need to borrow someone’s vehicle, make sure you get explicit consent—otherwise, you could be charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
For the most part, you don’t have to worry about getting charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle when you’re borrowing a friend’s vehicle for a short time—but if you’re looking to re-enact your favorite parts of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off by borrowing someone else’s hot rod, you could land in big trouble.
Here to lay out all the details of the crime of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle is Jerry—the car insurance comparison tool and app you can trust. Let’s get going!
What is unauthorized use of a motor vehicle?
Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle is exactly what it sounds like, but let’s break down the specifics. Basically, this violation refers to using a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner.
In some states, the crime of unauthorized use of a vehicle can also include using the vehicle longer than the specified time you had permission for or using a vehicle for a purpose other than the owner’s consent. Depending on the state, a “motor vehicle” usually means any motor-propelled vehicle, like automobiles, airplanes, motorcycles, bicycles, and motorboats.
While unauthorized use of a vehicle is against the law in every state, each state law has different definitions and degrees of punishment for these criminal offenses.
Learn more: Does car insurance cover car theft?
What’s the difference between auto theft and unauthorized use of a vehicle?
Taking a vehicle without permission may sound exactly like auto theft, but there are a few important distinctions.
Auto theft implies that the vehicle was taken with the intent to deprive the owner of the vehicle of possession and ownership by keeping the vehicle. Unauthorized use doesn’t include this intent.
In other words, unauthorized use—or “joyriding”—implies the borrower intends to return the person’s vehicle when they’re done with it.
Key TakeawayVehicle larceny involves someone taking a car with the intention of keeping it, and unauthorized use is just “borrowing” the vehicle without asking.
Consequences of using a vehicle without owner consent
Just like every state has a different definition of what qualifies as unauthorized use, each state’s penal law outlines different consequences for the crime. Some states have a blanket punishment for unauthorized use.
For example, the Texas Penal Code charges unauthorized use as a state jail felony, which is punishable with up to two years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
Other states match their punishment to the severity of the crime. For instance, Ohio criminal law outlines specific circumstances for each penalty level. A standard violation will lead to a misdemeanor of the first degree, while unauthorized use causing damage between $7,500 and $37,500 will be punished with a third-degree felony.
To be charged in most states, the intent to deprive the owner of consent must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. If you can successfully argue that the owner would have given consent to use their car if they’d known about it, your charges may be dropped.
No matter what state you’re in, if you’re facing charges for the unauthorized use of a vehicle, it’s always best to call a local criminal defense attorney for a free consultation to explore your options. Having a criminal defense lawyer on your side can lead to less severe penalties.
How to find cheap car insurance for your vehicle
Legal jargon and state laws can be a hassle to parse, so let Jerry give your brain a break by shopping for deals on car insurance for you. As the top-rated insurance app, Jerry sorts through quotes from over 55 top providers to bring you the best policy options at the best rates—all in 45 seconds or less.
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FAQ
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What’s an example of unauthorized use of a vehicle?
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Is unauthorized use a misdemeanor?
Macy Fouse is an insurance writer with over five years of experience in publishing and writing. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Macy’s mission is to create content that equips car owners with the tools they need to reduce car ownership costs, master repair skills, and ensure they have the best insurance coverage for their drive. Macy has written nearly 1,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from state-specific driver’s license regulations to how your marital status can affect car insurance costs. Prior to joining Jerry, Macy leveraged her background in journalism, social media, and educational curriculum as a production editor for LifeWay Christian Resource.
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who previously lead up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
