Driving a Car Without Consent

Driving a car without consent is commonly known as joyriding. In the eyes of the law this is regarded as theft and there are a number of fines and punishments that can be imposed by the courts.

Joyriding in the UK

Taking and driving another person’s car is a common crime in the UK. The crime is commonly associated with young males, and around 10,000 cases of taking a vehicle without consent are reported each year. Although the age of joy riders is usually between 17 to 25 years, children as young as 10 years old have been caught driving motor vehicles. As the majority of perpetrators of this crime are young and inexperienced drivers the result can often be serious accidents. Joyriding can cause serious harm within a community and has been the cause of many deaths due to reckless driving and speeding.

The Law and Taking a Vehicle without Consent

Taking a vehicle without consent is committed when the perpetrator takes a vehicle for their own use without the vehicle owner’s permission. This offence can also apply when another person knows that a vehicle has been taken without consent and then travels in or drives the vehicle. Taking a vehicle without consent can lead to a maximum prison sentence of six months and/or a maximum fine of £5,000. Judges can also use their own discretion in deciding to impose a driving disqualification.

Aggravated Vehicle Taking and the Law

Aggravated vehicle taking is an offence that occurs when a vehicle is taken without the owner’s permission and is combined with other offences. These offences will take place after the vehicle was stolen and can include damage to the vehicle. Aggravating factors can also include damage to property caused by the driver, and dangerous driving that causes harm to other road users and the public. The subsequent offences are the aggravating factors and are the reason why fines and punishments are more severe. This crime can be tried at either the Crown Court or Magistrates Court.

Aggravated Vehicle Taking, Punishments and Fines

The punishments for aggravated vehicle taking will be dependant on the subsequent offences during the crime. Punishments will also be dependent on whether the crime is tried at the Crown or Magistrate’s Court. A maximum six months prison sentence and/or a fine of up to £5,000 can be imposed by the Magistrate’s Court. The Crown Court can impose a maximum two year prison sentence or 14 years prison sentence if a death was caused during the crime.

Possible Offences during Joyriding

There are a number of different offences that can and do take place when cars are taken without permission. These can include:

• Speeding
• Dangerous and reckless driving
• Hit and run incidents
• Leaving the scene of a crime
• Damage to property
• Death by dangerous driving
• Driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs
• Driving without a licence or insurance

Punishment Options Open to the Courts

There are a number of different punishments and fines available to the courts when it comes to joyriding. The final punishment will be down to the seriousness of the crime and aggravating factors. Prison sentences, community penalties and hefty fines can be imposed as well as driving bans. Sitting an extended driving test can also be an option that judges may impose on drivers facing a disqualification. Young offenders between the age of 12 and 16 years can be held on remand while awaiting trial.

Taking a Family Vehicle without Consent

In the eyes of the law it makes no difference if the vehicle that is taken without permission is a family car. This will still be classed as theft and the police will try to prosecute. Taking a family or friend’s vehicle without consent can mean a court case and a criminal record. There may be special reasons why this happened and a solicitor will be the best course of action for advice and information.

The courts and the police do view joyriding as a very serious offence especially if aggravating factors come into play. Joyriding has been the cause of much misery and many deaths in the UK including the deaths of children. The government and the police have a number of initiatives in place and planned for the future to curb this serious crime.

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