Colorado § 18-4-409.5 - Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle - definition.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-4-409.5 — Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle - definition., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-4-409.5. Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle - definition.
(1) A person commits unauthorized use of a motor vehicle if the person obtains or exercises control over the motor vehicle of another person without authorization of the owner and:
(a) The person does not commit a criminal offense other than a misdemeanor traffic offense except eluding a police officer as described in section 42-4-1413 in the course of obtaining control over or in the exercise of control of a motor vehicle; and
(b) The motor vehicle is returned to the owner or recovered by law enforcement within twenty-four hours after being reported as missing or stolen by the owner, with no damage to the motor vehicle.
(2) Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle is a class 1 misdemeanor; except that a second or subsequent offense for a violation of this section is a class 5 felony.
(3) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "motor vehicle" has the same meaning as defined in section 18-4-409.
Source: L. 2023: Entire section added, (SB 23-097), ch. 309, p. 1888, § 2, effective July 1.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 18-4-409.5
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-4-409.5 cover?
Section 18-4-409.5 ("Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle - definition.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 18-4-409.5?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-4-409.5" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 18-4-409.5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.