What starts as a short ride can quickly turn serious in St. Paul, Minnesota. Joyriding often feels harmless, especially when no damage seems obvious at first. However, the law looks at vehicle use very differently than people often expect.
The legal truth about joyriding
There is a common misconception that Minnesota has a specific joyriding law. In reality, courts usually prosecute joyriding as theft or as motor vehicle tampering. Some people think this qualifies as gross misdemeanor and to some degree they are right.
However, although tampering is a low-level charge, unauthorized taking of a car is often charged as a felony. A conviction can result in penalties of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, but laws and charging practices vary by state.
What turns a simple ride into a felony?
Several factors can increase the seriousness of the charge. Examples from the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines include:
- Vehicle value
- Criminal vehicular operation
- Fleeing an officer
- Prior charges
These details can shape how your car accident case moves forward. If you crashed with someone who was joyriding, report the accident to the police, get medical care and contact a car accident attorney right away.
When can you sue beyond no-fault?
Minnesota’s no-fault system limits pain and suffering claims. However, you can sue the at-fault driver for non-economic damages if your injuries meet the state’s thresholds:
- Medical bills over $4,000 (excluding diagnostic X-rays and MRIs)
- Disability lasting 60 days or more
- Permanent injury or serious disfigurement
If you think you meet one of these conditions, keep all medical records and request a case review to learn your options.
Passenger liability and your claim
Minnesota law now lets prosecutors charge passengers who knew or had reason to know the driver took the car without permission, and they may face misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor counts. You can also sue a passenger who encouraged the joyride for your injuries and damages. A lawyer can advocate for your rights and explain how criminal charges might affect recovery.