What is a key requirement for the offense of Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle?

The key requirement for the offense of Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle is that the act must occur without the consent of the owner. This means that if someone operates or uses a vehicle without the explicit permission from the person who legally owns it, they can be charged with this offense. The focus of this law is on the absence of consent, which is fundamental to distinguishing unauthorized use from lawful operation of a vehicle.

While factors such as knowing the owner or having a written agreement might influence a scenario regarding vehicle use, they do not directly define the violation as the absence of consent does. Similarly, possessing a valid driver's license relates more to legality and safety on the roads rather than the owner's permission to use the vehicle. Thus, the lack of consent is the core element that characterizes the offense, making it a critical condition for establishing unauthorized use.