Auto Theft Laws in Colorado

Colorado imposes felony penalties for stealing a car, receiving a stolen vehicle, carjacking, and, sometimes, joyriding. A person who breaks into a vehicle or removes a part from it can face additional charges.

Colorado's Laws on Auto Theft and Joyriding

Colorado's vehicle theft law applies to anyone who steals a car or knowingly receives a stolen car. Theft can occur by an unauthorized taking or taking by deception or threat.

The law refers to joyriding as the "unauthorized use of a motor vehicle." Joyriding charges only apply to temporary takings. Anyone who joyrides but keeps the car for more than 24 hours, returns the car with any damage, or uses it to commit an offense can be charged with felony vehicle theft (see "Second-Degree Motor Vehicle Theft" below).

(Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-4-409, 18-4-409.5 (2025).)

What Are the Penalties for Motor Vehicle Theft in Colorado?

Colorado classifies and punishes motor vehicle theft according to the circumstances involved in the crime and whether the defendant has a history of other vehicle thefts. Three degrees of vehicle theft exist, with first-degree being the most serious and third-degree the least serious.

Penalties for First-Degree Motor Vehicle Theft

A person who steals a vehicle and has two prior convictions for vehicle theft or joyriding commits a class 3 felony. This felony offense carries 4 to 12 years of possible prison time and fines.

Penalties for Second-Degree Motor Vehicle Theft

Second-degree motor vehicle theft is a class 4 felony. A defendant who did any of the following can face second-degree charges:

• retains a car without authorization for more than 24 hours
• altered or disguised the vehicle's appearance or tried to
• removed or altered the VIN or tried to
• removed the car from the state
• changed or displayed fake plates on the car
• caused $1,000 or more worth of vehicle damage
• caused bodily injury to another
• used or tried to use the car to commit a crime (other than a minor traffic offense or vehicle trespass), or
• stole a vehicle with disability plates or tags.

A defendant convicted of a class 4 felony faces two to six years of prison time.

Penalties for Third-Degree Motor Vehicle Theft

Third-degree vehicle theft is a class 5 felony. This offense level only applies if none of the above factors come into play, which means the vehicle must be found with virtually no damage in a relatively short amount of time. The maximum penalty for a class 5 felony is three years' incarceration.

(Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-4-409 (2025).)

What Are the Penalties for Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (Joyriding) in Colorado?

A first-time joyriding conviction carries class 1 misdemeanor penalties of up to 364 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Repeat joyriding convictions increase to a class 5 felony, punishable by one to three years in prison.

The possibility of misdemeanor charges hinges on the vehicle being returned with no damage and within 24 hours. Otherwise, the offense becomes a felony vehicle theft. Prosecutors can also file felony vehicle theft charge when the defendant commits any crime while joyriding (such as shoplifting, assault, or anything other than a minor traffic violation).

(Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-4-409.5 (2025).)

What Are the Penalties for Carjacking in Colorado?

Carjacking falls under Colorado's robbery laws. It's a class 4 felony to take a vehicle directly from a person or in their presence by using force, threats, or intimidation. A class 4 felony means two to six years of prison time.

Displaying a deadly weapon or even suggesting having a deadly weapon bumps up the offense to aggravated robbery, a class 3 felony (and an extraordinary risk crime). Class 3 felonies carry 4 to 16 years in prison. If the defendant injures or strikes the victim with a deadly weapon or uses the weapon to place the victim in fear of death or bodily harm, harsher sentencing provisions for a crime of violence may apply.

(Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-4-301, 18-4-302 (2025).)

What Are the Penalties for Tampering With a Vehicle in Colorado?

A person who tampers with a vehicle, either by breaking into it or removing parts, can face criminal trespass or mischief charges. Bringing those parts to a chop shop can result in felony charges. If the person steals anything from the vehicle (vehicle parts or items inside), theft charges would also apply.

Unlawful Entry Into a Vehicle (Trespass)

Colorado's criminal trespass law makes it a class 2 misdemeanor to unlawfully enter another's vehicle. The penalty increases to a class 1 misdemeanor if the person broke into the vehicle intending to commit another crime therein, such as theft, property damage, or assault.

Property Damage (Mischief)

If the person causes any damage to the vehicle, they've committed criminal mischief. The penalties for this offense depend on the amount of damage caused. It's a felony if the damage reaches $2,000.

Theft of Vehicle Parts

Any items or parts stolen from the vehicle (such as a catalytic converter) can be charged as theft with penalties based on the item or part's value. Similar to property damage, the felony threshold for theft is $2,000. If the person brings the car or the car part to a chop shop, it's a class 5 felony (regardless of the value of the part).

Altering Identification Numbers

Defacing, altering, or obliterating identification numbers located on the vehicle or a major component (including catalytic converters) is a class 5 felony.

(Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-4-401, 18-4-420, 18-4-501, 18-4-503 (2025).)

Talk to a Lawyer

If you've been charged with motor vehicle theft, speak with a local criminal defense attorney or public defender as soon as possible. An attorney can evaluate your case, examine possible defenses, and defend your rights. You should also ask your attorney about the future consequences of a conviction. Having a criminal record can make it difficult to get a job, housing, or loan down the road.