Last Updated: July 02 2026
Question: Is it unlawful in Ontario to solicit a ride while hitchhiking along the roadway?
Answer: In Ontario, hitchhiking is unlawful because Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 at section 177(1), prohibits anyone on the roadway from soliciting a ride from the driver of a motor vehicle other than a public passenger conveyance. On conviction, the general offence penalty under Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 at section 214(1) can include a fine from $60 to $1,000, plus a victim surcharge and court costs. If you were charged or are planning how to respond, Lippa Legal Services can help you understand the charge and your options through a paralegal service in Ontario, call (416) 241-4529 to discuss your situation.
Is It Unlawful to Solicit Rides by Hitchhiking?
Hitchhiking, Meaning Soliciting Drivers For a Ride and Doing So While Standing or Walking Along the Roadway, Is Unlawful and An Offence Contrary to the Highway Traffic Act. The Fine For Hitchhiking Ranges From $60 to $1,000 and Is Also Subject...
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. Within Ontario, among other places, hitchhiking is unlawful as doing so creates a significant danger to the person that is hitchhiking. Additionally, a risk to others arises whereas a vehicle driver may be distracted by the hitchhiker or stop suddenly to pick up the hitchhiker thereby surprising other drivers and possibly 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:
Soliciting rides prohibited
177(1) No person, while on the roadway, shall solicit a ride from the driver of a motor vehicle other than a public passenger conveyance.
General penalty
214 (1) Every person who contravenes this Act or any regulation is guilty of an offence and on conviction, where a penalty for the contravention is not otherwise provided for herein, is liable to a fine of not less than $60 and not more than $1,000.
“roadway” means the part of the highway that is improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic, but does not include the shoulder, and, where a highway includes two or more separate roadways, the term “roadway” refers to any one roadway separately and not to all of the roadways collectively;
As show above, the general penalty prescribed by section 214(1) of the Highway Traffic Act imposes a fine ranging from sixty ($60) dollars to one thousand ($1,000) dollars for hitchhiking. Furthermore, a statutory victim surcharge plus court cost will also apply.
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.
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