It's a separate thing to make it easier to police, because "theft" is a crime, but it's easy to claim that you were just "borrowing" the car. It might even be

It's a separate thing to make it easier to police, because "theft" is a crime, but it's easy to claim that you were just "borrowing" the car. It might even be true! Teens borrow their parents' cars, race around in them, the parents don't want the kids to get into trouble (which is generally reasonable) and claim that they were allowed to take the car. So the rule now is that you're not allowed to let someone drive your car who's not entitled to drive your car. If you consented to them taking it, you're in trouble (and they're still in trouble for driving without a license and insurance). If you didn't consent, they're in trouble for TWOC and for driving without a license and insurance.