South Carolina Auto Theft Laws

South Carolina criminalizes motor vehicle theft under its general larceny statute. The penalties for such an offense depend on the circumstances of the crime and the value of the stolen vehicle. For other auto theft-related crimes, such as joyriding and carjacking, the law provides separate penalties.

What Are the Penalties for Stealing a Car in South Carolina?

A person who steals a motor vehicle commits larceny in South Carolina.

Defining Larceny

Larceny is the unlawful taking of another’s personal property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of its possession. To show that a person intended to permanently deprive another of property, the prosecutor needs to show that the defendant intended to use the car in a way that prevented the owner from using it. For example, a person who steals a car and then abandons it could still be found guilty of theft, even if the car is recovered.

Penalties for Auto Theft

South Carolina, like many states, classifies motor vehicle thefts according to the value of the stolen property. The more valuable the automobile is, the more severe the punishment will be.

Petit larceny. If the value of the stolen vehicle is $2,000 or less, the offender faces penalties of up to 30 days in jail or a $1,000 fine.

Grand larceny. If the stolen vehicle is worth more than $2,000 but less than $10,000, the offender risks up to five years in prison and a fine (Class F felony). If the stolen vehicle is worth more than $10,000, the defendant faces up to 10 years in prison or a fine (Class E felony).

Penalties for Possessing a Stolen Vehicle

The same penalties (based on value) apply to anyone who receives, possesses, sells, or conceals a stolen vehicle.

Possible Defenses to Motor Vehicle Theft Charges

Defendants accused of stealing a vehicle can raise several defenses to the charges. For instance, they can argue the police got the wrong person by presenting an alibi defense or alleging mistaken identity. On the flip side, the defendant might concede they took the vehicle, but only because the owner gave them permission to use it. It might be possible to seek a reduction in the charges by challenging the value of the vehicle or by arguing that the defendant intended only to take a joyride.

(S.C. Code §§ 16-13-30, 16-21-80 (2025); State v. Tindall, 50 S.E.2d 188 (S.C. 1948).)

What Are the Penalties for Joyriding (Use of a Vehicle Without Permission)?

In South Carolina, a person commits the crime of joyriding by taking, driving, or using a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner and with the intent to deprive the owner of possession:

• for a lengthy period
• as part of the commission of or the intent to commit another crime, or
• for a temporary purpose unconnected with the commission of or intent to commit another crime.

Joyriding is a misdemeanor and subjects the offender to up to three years of imprisonment. However, the punishment is less severe if the person takes the car only temporarily and for some reason unconnected to the commission of any crime. For example, a teenager who takes a parent’s car to drive to a friend’s house would face up to one year of incarceration (rather than three) and a $500 fine.

(S.C. Code § 16-21-60 (2025).)

What Are the Penalties for Stealing Vehicle Parts in South Carolina?

Stealing vehicle parts can result in a number of charges depending on the facts involved, such as unlawful sale to a chop shop, possession or sale of a catalytic converter, or removal of an identification number. Prosecutors can also file larceny charges (outlined above) with penalties based on the value of the vehicle part.

Chop Shop Laws and Penalties

A chop shop is a place where stolen motor vehicles or their parts are knowingly destroyed, altered, assembled, reassembled, dismantled, or stored for criminal purposes. South Carolina makes it illegal to own, operate, or conduct a chop shop. Additionally, if a person sells or purchases any vehicle or its part to or from a chop shop, they have violated this statute.

The penalty for involvement in a motor vehicle chop shop depends on the nature of the offense. Punishments can include up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

(S.C. Code § 56-29-30 (2025).)

Unlawful Possession or Sale of a Catalytic Converter

South Carolina makes it a crime to possess, acquire, transport, or sell a used, detached catalytic converter (or its nonferrous parts) without a permit or proper paperwork (to show it's not stolen). Providing false information is also a crime.

A first offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to three years behind bars. A repeat offense is a felony and carries up to five years of prison time. The court can also order the defendant to pay restitution to any victims for the repair and replacement of a catalytic converter.

(S.C. Code § 16-17-680 (2025).)

Alteration or Removal of Vehicle Identification Numbers

It's a misdemeanor to remove an identification number from a vehicle or an engine. However, felony penalties apply if the prosecution can prove the defendant did so to conceal that the vehicle or engine was stolen. The misdemeanor carries a possible three-year sentence and the felony carries up to five years in prison.

(S.C. Code § 16-21-40 (2025).)

What Are the Penalties for Breaking Into or Tampering With Motor Vehicles?

A person who breaks or attempts to break into a motor vehicle or its compartments with the intent of stealing the motor vehicle or anything of value from it or in the preparation of any criminal offense is guilty of a Class F felony. This offense subjects the defendant to up to five years in prison and a $1,000 fine.

Damaging or tampering with a vehicle or its parts or components constitutes a misdemeanor. An offender faces up to 30 days in jail and a $100 fine.

(S.C. Code §§ 16-13-160, 16-21-90, 16-21-130 (2025).)

What Are the Penalties for Carjacking in South Carolina?

Carjacking is a very serious offense. A person in South Carolina commits the crime of carjacking by taking (or attempting to take) a motor vehicle from someone else by force, violence, or intimidation while the victim is operating or inside a vehicle.

The law punishes offenders more severely if the crime results in great bodily injury. If a victim suffers great bodily injury, the defendant can be imprisoned for up to 30 years. If less serious or no injuries occur, the offender faces up to 20 years in prison.

(S.C. Code § 16-3-1075 (2025).)

Obtaining Legal Assistance

A conviction for theft, carjacking, joyriding, or breaking into a vehicle can result in time in prison or jail, fines, and a criminal record, which can have a lasting, negative impact. If you face criminal charges, speak to an experienced South Carolina criminal defense attorney. An attorney can explain the law, answer your questions, and help you successfully navigate the criminal justice system.