British Columbia (BC) Security Guard License Practice Exam

Is joyriding considered an indictable offense?

1. True

2. False

3. Depends on the value of the vehicle

4. Only for repeat offenders

The correct answer is: False

Joyriding, which typically refers to taking a vehicle without the owner's permission and using it for enjoyment rather than with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, is usually categorized as a less serious offense than theft. In the context of Canadian law, specifically under the Criminal Code, joyriding generally falls under the category of "taking a motor vehicle without consent," which is typically treated as a summary conviction offense rather than an indictable offense. This means that while joyriding can result in criminal charges, it does not carry the same level of severity or potential penalties as indictable offenses, which are more serious crimes. Instead, joyriding is often addressed with lighter penalties and is typically processed in a less formal judicial setting compared to more serious offenses. Legally, the distinction between summary and indictable offenses affects how cases are prosecuted and what penalties might be imposed, making joyriding a significant but less severe crime in the eyes of the law.