An alleged car thief is due in court today after running out of fuel on Auckland's northern motorway

Police say a man approached a staffer at an Epsom car dealership about 7.30 last night, stealing their keys and vehicle.

Senior Sergeant Andrew Hawkins says they did not pursue the vehicle -- but tracked it, using the Eagle helicopter and motorway cameras.

The alleged driver pulled up on the shoulder of the motorway near Silverdale after running out of fuel, where he was arrested.

A 36-year-old man is set to appear in the North Shore District Court, on a raft of driving-related charges.