{"id":371491,"date":"2017-08-18T19:17:59","date_gmt":"2017-08-19T00:17:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-auto-theft-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-07-21T15:44:16","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T20:44:16","slug":"arizona-auto-theft-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-auto-theft-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Auto Theft Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Arizona Auto Theft Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Arizona<\/span> auto theft<\/span> laws<\/span> classify taking another person’s vehicle<\/span> without permission as a felony offense, with charges ranging from theft of means of transportation<\/span> to unlawful use (joyriding<\/span>). The most serious charge, theft of means of transportation<\/span>, is a Class 3<\/span> felony carrying up to 10 years in prison and $150,000 in fines.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In Arizona<\/span>, taking another person\u2019s means<\/span> of transportation is a felony offense. Arizona<\/span> has one of the highest auto theft<\/span> rates in the nation, so law enforcement<\/span> and prosecutors take these offenses seriously. Riding in a stolen car can be a crime if you were aware the vehicle had been illegally obtained. Motor <\/span>vehicle<\/span> theft<\/span> and related crimes<\/span> depend on who is driving the car and whether they had permission to drive that person\u2019s vehicle<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article examines and explains the main charges Arizona<\/span> prosecutors utilize in auto <\/span>theft<\/span> cases<\/span>, the potential penalties, and possible defenses. Read on for a better understanding of these offenses.<\/p>\n

Auto Theft<\/span> Charges<\/span> in Arizona<\/span><\/h2>\n

Arizona<\/span> has three main charges for auto theft<\/span>:<\/p>\n