Auto Theft Laws in Georgia

In Georgia, most vehicle theft offenses carry the possibility of felony penalties. This article will cover the crimes and penalties for vehicle theft, unlawful entry into a vehicle, vehicle hijacking (carjacking), and joyriding.

What Are the Penalties for Motor Vehicle Theft in Georgia?

Stealing a motor vehicle or its parts falls under Georgia's theft by taking law, which makes it a crime to unlawfully take or appropriate another's property, intending to deprive the owner of their property. It's also theft to knowingly receive or possess a stolen vehicle or vehicle parts. Georgia penalizes theft based on the value of the property stolen.

Penalties. The following penalties apply to vehicle thefts.

• $1,500 or less. If the vehicle or vehicle parts are worth $1,500 or less, the person commits a misdemeanor, punishable by 12 months in jail (see exception below for catalytic converters).
• $1,501 to $4,999. If the vehicle or vehicle parts are worth more than $1,500 but less than $5,000, the person commits a felony (wobbler), punishable by one to five years in prison.
• $5,000 to $24,999. If the vehicle or vehicle parts are worth at least $5,000 but less than $25,000, the person commits a felony (wobbler), punishable by one to 10 years in prison.
• $25,000 or more. If the vehicle or vehicle parts are worth $25,000 or more, the person commits a felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison.

Wobblers. For felonies with a maximum sentence of 10 years or less, the judge may impose either a felony or a misdemeanor sentence—these offenses are referred to as "wobblers."

(Ga. Code §§ 16-8-2, 16-8-4, 16-8-12, 17-10-3 (2025).)

Is It a Felony to Steal a Catalytic Converter in Georgia?

Stealing a catalytic converter (called "regulated metal property") generally results in felony penalties, even if the value is less than $1,500. It's still considered theft but a separate penalty applies that looks at the cost of the part and repairs. If that amount exceeds $500, a defendant faces one to five years of prison time and a $5,000 fine.

(Ga. Code §§ 10-1-350, 10-1-351, 16-8-2, 16-8-12 (2025).)

What Are the Penalties for Joyriding in Georgia?

In Georgia, the crime of joyriding can also be punished under the theft by taking statute. As noted above, a person commits theft by unlawfully taking or appropriating a vehicle with intent to "deprive" the owner of their vehicle. The law defines "deprive" as withholding another's property permanently or temporarily without justification. So, even if a person intends to return the car or ditch it somewhere, it's still considered theft under Georgia's laws. The same penalties apply as those listed above.

(Ga. Code §§ 16-8-1, 16-8-2 (2025); Sorrells v. State, 267 Ga. 236 (1996).)

What Are the Penalties for Chop Shop Activities in Georgia?

It's a felony to own or operate a chop shop, transport a vehicle or vehicle parts to a chop shop, or sell a vehicle or its parts to a chop shop. This felony carries 3 to 10 years of prison time and a $100,000 fine. A person facing a repeat conviction under this section faces mandatory minimum sentences and loses eligibility for probation and parole.

(Ga. Code § 16-8-83 (2025).)

What Are the Penalties for Unlawful Entry Into a Motor Vehicle in Georgia?

A person who enters a motor vehicle intending to steal something (like a purse or computer) or to commit a felony (such as destruction of property or assault) commits a felony wobbler. The judge can sentence the defendant to one to five years in prison or impose a misdemeanor penalty.

An unlawful entry doesn't need to involve breaking in (which could result in additional property damage charges). The person only needs to enter the car intending to commit a theft or felony, such as someone going through a parking lot and checking for unlocked car doors and valuable electronics to steal.

If the person enters the vehicle for an unlawful purpose not rising to the level of a felony or theft, the person commits criminal trespass—a misdemeanor.

(Ga. Code §§ 16-7-21, 16-8-18 (2025).)

What Are the Penalties for Motor Vehicle Hijacking (Carjacking) in Georgia?

Stealing a vehicle from or in the presence of a person is considered motor vehicle hijacking (sometimes called carjacking). If the person possesses a firearm or weapon and obtains or attempts to obtain the vehicle by force, violence, or intimidation, the person faces 10 to 20 years in prison. A second offense results in life imprisonment. Hijacking a vehicle that does not involve a weapon or violence carries a felony sentence of one to 10 years' incarceration.

(Ga. Code § 16-5-44.1 (2025).)

Defenses to Motor Vehicle Theft in Georgia

A person who faces vehicle theft charges might argue that the authorities have the wrong person or try to poke holes in the prosecution's case. For instance, the defense might argue the defendant didn't take the car intending to deprive the owner of their property. The defendant may have thought the owner consented to the taking or the defendant didn't know the car was stolen. A jury must acquit if reasonable doubt exists as to any element of the crime.

Consult an Attorney

If you're facing charges for a motor vehicle theft-related offense, talk to a criminal defense attorney or public defender. Having a felony, or even misdemeanor, conviction on your record can make it difficult to obtain a job or housing and can be used in future sentencing decisions.