Utah criminal charge
Theft of motor vehicle fuel in Utah
Theft of motor vehicle fuel is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404.7. Its classification is not fixed: Utah assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404.7.
What is the penalty for theft of motor vehicle fuel in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 15 years (Theft of motor vehicle fuel ($5,000 or more) — The value of the motor vehicle fuel is or exceeds $5,000.; indeterminate prison term, unless the statute provides otherwise; actual release is determined by the Board of Pardons and Parole) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Theft of motor vehicle fuel ($5,000 or more) — The value of the motor vehicle fuel is or exceeds $5,000.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Theft of motor vehicle fuel (under $500, no aggravating factors) — The value of the motor vehicle fuel is less than $500 and the theft does not qualify as a class A misdemeanor under Subsection (3)(c).) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Theft of motor vehicle fuel (under $500, no aggravating factors) — The value of the motor vehicle fuel is less than $500 and the theft does not qualify as a class A misdemeanor under Subsection (3)(c).; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
Applies to current (2026 General Session).
How is theft of motor vehicle fuel classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theft of motor vehicle fuel ($5,000 or more) | Second Degree Felony | The value of the motor vehicle fuel is or exceeds $5,000. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404.7(3)(a) |
| Theft of motor vehicle fuel (under $500, no aggravating factors) | Class B Misdemeanor | The value of the motor vehicle fuel is less than $500 and the theft does not qualify as a class A misdemeanor under Subsection (3)(c). | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404.7(3)(d) |
Common questions about theft of motor vehicle fuel in Utah
Is theft of motor vehicle fuel a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: theft of motor vehicle fuel ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404.7.
Theft of motor vehicle fuel ($5,000 or more): Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404.7(3)(a)) · Theft of motor vehicle fuel (under $500, no aggravating factors): Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404.7(3)(d))
What are the penalties for theft of motor vehicle fuel in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers theft of motor vehicle fuel?
Theft of motor vehicle fuel is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404.7 (Theft of motor vehicle fuel).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.