{"id":374966,"date":"2018-02-26T15:08:03","date_gmt":"2018-02-26T20:08:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-auto-theft-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-07-10T15:10:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T20:10:00","slug":"new-jersey-auto-theft-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-auto-theft-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey Auto Theft Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New Jersey Auto Theft Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, 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

Auto theft<\/span> in New Jersey<\/span> is the unlawful taking<\/span> of a <\/span>motor vehicle<\/span> with intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. The state classifies auto theft<\/span> into three degrees based on vehicle value. Penalties include prison sentences up to 10 years, fines up to $150,000, and mandatory driver’s <\/span>license<\/span> suspension<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Every state has auto <\/span>theft<\/span> laws<\/span>. Many states include the crime of car theft<\/span> in their general theft statutes, and New Jersey<\/span> is no exception. However, like these other states, New Jersey<\/span> lawmakers<\/span> specify unique penalties for people guilty of auto theft<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here, we’ll explain the auto <\/span>theft<\/span> laws<\/span> in the State of <\/span>New Jersey<\/span>. We will also discuss the penalties and defenses<\/a> to this crime. We will also briefly touch on related crimes<\/span> in New Jersey<\/span>, such as receipt of a stolen <\/span>motor vehicle<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you’re facing auto <\/span>theft<\/span> charges<\/span>, you should contact a local criminal defense lawyer<\/a>. They will review your case and help you decide how best to proceed. While auto theft<\/span> may not qualify as a violent crime<\/span>, that doesn’t mean the punishments are minor.<\/p>\n

How Does New Jersey<\/span> Law Define Auto Theft<\/span>?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

New Jersey<\/span> law defines auto theft<\/span> the same way most other states do.<\/p>\n

For the state to convict a defendant of the crime of auto theft<\/span><\/a>, it must prove the following three things:<\/p>\n