{"id":374211,"date":"2018-09-13T16:38:30","date_gmt":"2018-09-13T21:38:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/minnesota-law\/minnesota-auto-theft-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-09-14T15:14:35","modified_gmt":"2018-09-14T20:14:35","slug":"minnesota-auto-theft-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/minnesota-law\/minnesota-auto-theft-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Minnesota Auto Theft Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Minnesota Auto Theft Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\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

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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

The offense of theft<\/a> is generally defined as taking someone’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of what was taken. However, specific definitions of theft vary by jurisdiction as well as its degrees which are often based on the value of the property involved. State laws also differ in how they address specific forms of theft, like auto theft. Some states have a separate statute for the crime, while others simply address it under their general theft codes.<\/p>\r\n

Minnesota doesn’t have a separate auto theft statute, but the state’s general theft statute does specifically name the theft of a motor vehicle as a prohibited act. Besides motor vehicles, the statue also criminalizes the theft of motor fuel.<\/p>\r\n

Unlike some jurisdictions, Minnesota doesn’t have a joyriding<\/a> statute. Because the motor vehicle theft provision requires that the perpetrator takes or drives the vehicle without the owner’s consent, individuals who just want to ride in a car for a few hours can be charged for theft if they don’t have permission to use the vehicle even if they’re not planning on permanently depriving the owner of the vehicle.<\/p>\r\n

It’s also important to note that auto theft is treated differently than other thefts in Minnesota where the actual charges and penalties depend on the value of the property involved: If you steal a car in the state, you’re automatically charged with a felony, regardless of its value.<\/p>\r\n

An Explanation of Minnesota Auto Theft Laws<\/h2>\r\n

It’s advisable to work with a lawyer to get the most accurate interpretation of a statute. However, prior to consulting with counsel or for a quick reference, you can read a condensed version of the law written in clear language. The chart below is a concise explanation of Minnesota’s auto theft laws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Minnesota Statutes:<\/p>\r\n

Elements of the Crime<\/b><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Motor Vehicle Theft:<\/i><\/b> Taking or driving a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner (or an authorized agent), while knowing or having reason to know that the owner or the agent didn’t give consent.<\/p>\r\n

Motor Fuel Theft:<\/i><\/b> Intentionally taking motor fuel from a retailer without the retailer’s consent, with the intent to deprive the retailer permanently of possession of the fuel by driving a motor vehicle from the retailer’s premises without having paid for the fuel dispensed into the vehicle.<\/p>\r\n

Proof that the driver drove the vehicle from the premises of the retailer without having paid is enough to infer that the driver acted intentionally and with the intent to deprive the retailer permanently of possession of the fuel.<\/p>\r\n

However, this is not applicable<\/b> under the following conditions:<\/p>\r\n

Motor Vehicle Tampering<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

An individual commits motor vehicle tampering<\/i> (a misdemeanor) if they intentionally:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Ride in or on a motor vehicle knowing that the vehicle was taken and is being driven by another without the owner’s permission; or<\/li>\r\n
  • Tamper with or enter into or on a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Related Offenses<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Minnesota Statutes:<\/p>\r\n