Last Updated: July 02 2026
Question: Is hitchhiking in Ontario illegal if I am standing on the roadway with my thumb out to solicit a ride, and what fine range could I face?
Answer: In Ontario, hitchhiking where you’re on the roadway and soliciting a ride from the driver of a motor vehicle is unlawful under Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 177(1), and on conviction the court can impose a fine of Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 214(1) amounts up to $1,000 (plus the statutory victim surcharge and court costs). The definition of “roadway” can matter (it refers to the improved part of the highway designed or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic, not the shoulder), so it’s smart to review the specific facts before you assume the charge is a fit. If you’re dealing with a ticket or want to understand your options, DK Legal Practice helps Ontario residents navigate highway-related charges and next steps, call (416) 906-6663 today to discuss your situation.
Can a Person Be Charged For 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
A person that is standing or walking along the roadway seeking a driver who will provide a ride is engaging in what is commonly known as, and referred to 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
The law that forbids a person from hitchhiking along the roadway is prescribed by section 177(1) of the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8. For those found guilty of violating section 177(1), the details for the penalty upon conviction are prescribed by section 214(1) of the Highway Traffic Act whereas section 177(1) is actually silent, meaning absent, about the penalty details. Interestingly, what is actually defined as the "roadway" often requires careful review of the definition as per section 1 of the Highway Traffic Act. Within section 177(1), section 214(1), and section 1 of the Highway Traffic Act it is specifically stated:
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;
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.
NOTE: A considerable amount of inquiries featuring “lawyers near me” or “best lawyer in” frequently indicate a requirement for prompt and competent legal assistance instead of a particular job title. In Ontario, the same Law Society that governs lawyers also regulates licensed paralegals, who are permitted to represent clients in specific litigation cases. Key elements of this position include advocacy, legal analysis, and procedural expertise. DK Legal Practice provides legal representation within its licensed framework, focusing on strategic positioning, evidentiary preparation, and compelling advocacy designed to secure efficient and advantageous resolutions for clients.