MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

If a friend fails to return a borrowed car after three weeks, what is the possible charge?

1. Grand Theft Auto

2. UDAA

3. Larceny by Conversion

The correct answer is: UDAA

When a friend borrows a car and fails to return it after a reasonable amount of time, such as three weeks, the situation can evolve into a situation of unauthorized use. The appropriate charge in this case is "Unlawfully Driving Away an Automobile" (UDAA). UDAA applies specifically to situations where a person has obtained a vehicle through permission but does not return it or only uses it for a period longer than what was agreed upon. The key factor is that the original consent to use the car was given, but the misuse of that consent—by not returning the vehicle—constitutes a violation of the law. In contrast, other charges such as Grand Theft Auto would involve the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle from the outset, while Larceny by Conversion usually refers to situations involving personal property that is misappropriated without permission from the start, rather than a borrowed vehicle that is kept beyond a reasonable timeframe. Thus, UDAA is the most relevant charge that captures the nature of the situation where a borrowed car is not returned.