Auto Theft Laws in Oregon

Oregon law criminalizes motor vehicle theft, joyriding, and carjacking. Learn more about these crimes and their penalties.

What Are the Penalties for Stealing a Car in Oregon?

Most crimes involving auto theft are charged under Oregon's general theft statutes. Oregon law classifies theft penalties according to the value and nature of the stolen property. The more valuable the motor vehicle is, the more severe the punishment will be. A prosecutor may rely on the fair market value of the property or its replacement value.

Penalties for motor vehicle thefts range from class A misdemeanors to class B felonies.

Misdemeanors. Stealing a vehicle worth $100 or more but less than $1,000 is a class A misdemeanor, which carries penalties of up to one year in jail and a $6,250 fine.

Felonies. If the stolen car has a value of $1,000 or more, the offender is guilty of a class C felony and faces up to five years in prison and a $125,000 fine. Theft of a commercial vehicle, such as a taxi or big rig truck, worth $10,000 or more is a class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

(Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 161.605, 161.615, 161.625, 161.635; 164.015, 164.045, 164.055, 164.057 (2025).)

What Are the Penalties for Joyriding in Oregon?

Unauthorized use of a vehicle—more commonly known as joyriding—occurs when a person drives, rides in, or uses another's vehicle without permission. This crime includes the group of kids who take a running vehicle for a spin, as well as someone servicing a vehicle, such as a mechanic, who uses the vehicle in a way that is not related to the repair (say driving it to the store over the lunch hour).

The same law also prohibits retaining another's vehicle when there has been an agreement to return the car at a certain time or when the authorized user operates the vehicle in a manner constituting a gross deviation from the agreed-upon purpose. For example, a person who borrows a car from a family member and then keeps it without permission can be charged with joyriding.

The person who commits joyriding (plus any willing passenger in the vehicle) is guilty of a class C felony. A conviction means up to 5 years of prison time and a $125,000 fine.

(Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 161.605, 161.625; 164.135 (2025).)

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

Anyone who breaks into a vehicle intending to steal something or damage the car commits a class A misdemeanor. Causing damage to the vehicle can result in criminal mischief charges. The penalties for criminal mischief depend on the amount of damage done. For damage exceeding $500, the penalty is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year of jail time and $6,250 in fines. Damages that total more than $1,000 increase the penalty to a class C felony, which can mean possible prison time of up to five years and $125,000 in fines.

(Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 164.272, 164.345, 164.354, 164.365 (2025).)

What Are the Penalties for Carjacking (Robbery) in Oregon?

Oregon law charges carjacking under its robbery laws.

Third-Degree Robbery/Carjacking

A person commits robbery in the third degree if, in the course of committing or attempting to commit theft or unauthorized use of a vehicle, the person uses or threatens to use physical force on another person to prevent or overcome resistance to the carjacking or force the owner to help with the commission of the crime. Robbery in the third degree constitutes a class C felony, which carries penalties of up to five years in prison and a $125,000 fine.

Second-Degree Robbery/Carjacking

If the offender claims to be armed with a dangerous weapon or is aided by another person, they can face charges of robbery in the second degree. The punishment for second-degree robbery, a class B felony, includes up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

First-Degree Robbery/Carjacking

A defendant who is armed with a deadly weapon, uses or attempts to use a dangerous weapon, or tries to cause serious physical injury to any person during the theft is guilty of robbery in the first degree. Robbery in the first degree is a class A felony and subjects the offender to up to 20 years in prison and a $375,000 fine.

(Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 161.605, 161.625; 164.395, 164.405, 164.415 (2025).)

Obtaining Legal Assistance

A conviction for any crime, even a misdemeanor, can result in serious consequences, including incarceration, fines, and a criminal record. If you are accused of or charged with a crime, contact an Oregon criminal defense attorney immediately. Ask for a public defender if you can't afford an attorney.