Increases degree of crime for unlawful taking of motor vehicle.

This bill raises penalties for unlawfully taking a motor vehicle without the owner's consent in New Jersey. It upgrades the basic offense (taking or operating a vehicle without consent) from a fourth-degree crime to a third-degree crime, increasing potential penalties to 3-5 years in prison or a $15,000 fine. It also upgrades the offense involving risk of injury or property damage from a third-degree to a second-degree crime, with penalties of 5-10 years in prison or a $150,000 fine. The bill directly affects individuals who take vehicles without permission, including cases commonly referred to as "joyriding."