Hitchhiking Per Section 177(1) of the Highway Traffic Act

Question: Is it unlawful in Ontario to solicit a ride by hitchhiking along the roadside?

Answer: In Ontario, hitchhiking by standing or walking on the roadway to solicit a ride is an offence under Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 at s. 177(1) and can carry a fine of $60 to $1,000 plus the statutory victim surcharge and court costs, so it is generally unlawful to do so.   If you were charged or received a ticket for hitchhiking, Lippa Legal Services can help you understand the charge, review the officer’s evidence, and prepare next steps with a paralegal approach in Ontario.   Call (416) 241-4529 to discuss your options and avoid delays.

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Is It Illegal to Hitchhike?

In Ontario, Hitchhiking Along a Roadway As a Means of Soliciting a Ride Is Unlawful and Subject to a Fine Ranging From $60 to $1,000 Plus the Statutory Victim Surcharge and Court Cost.

Understanding the Highway Traffic Act Charge For Hitchhiking Including the Applicable Penalties

When a person is standing or walking along the side of a road with a thumb up seeking a driver who will stop and provide the person with a ride, such conduct is colloquially known as hitchhiking.  In Ontario, this type of conduct is unlawful as such poses a potential danger including risks that the person hitchhiking may be accidentally struck by a motor vehicle.  A risk also exists where a driver of a motor vehicle may slow and change lanes suddenly in the effort to pick up the hitchhiker, surprising other drivers, and thereby cause an accident.

The Law

As per section 177(1) of the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, standing or walking along a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride from drivers, otherwise known as hitchhiking, is an offence. What actually constitutes as the "roadway" may require careful review whereas the definition is provided within section 1 of the Highway Traffic Act. The applicable penalty upon a conviction for hitchhiking is found in the general penalty section of the Highway Traffic Act at section 214(1). Specifically, section 177(1), section 214(1), and section 1 of the Highway Traffic Act state:

Accordingly, per the general penalty stated within section 214(1) as is shown above, the fine for hitchhiking is in a range from sixty ($60) dollars to one thousand ($1,000) dollars.  Additional penalties will include the statutory victim surcharge plus court cost.

Summary Comment

Hitchhiking presents a great risk of serious harm to the hitchhiker and possible others using the roadway whereas such is both a distraction and also presents as a hazard when a driver suddenly brakes and swerves to pick up a hitchhiker.  Accordingly, the law forbids hitchhiking and imposes a fine of up to one thousand ($1,000) dollars plus victim surcharge and court cost.