Isn't joyriding really the same thing as stealing a car?

No, it is a separate offence. The difference lies in the definition of theft. In the Criminal Code, the offence of theft is defined as the accused person taking property with an intention to convert the property to his or her own use, either permanently or temporarily.

With joyriding, the accused had the intention of using or driving the vehicle, but not keeping it. The difference is similar to the difference between taking and borrowing.

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June 2006

More Criminal Code FAQs:

• General
• Joyriding
• Shoplifting

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