Last Updated: August 25 2026
Question: In Ontario, can I be ticketed or charged for hitchhiking, and what penalties apply?
Answer: If you are standing or walking on an Ontario roadway to solicit a ride, that can be treated as hitchhiking and is an offence under Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 177(1) with a fine typically ranging from $60 to $1,000 plus a victim surcharge and court costs under Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 214(1) If you have a ticket or a charge you want reviewed, Walia Traffic Legal Services can help you understand the charge, assess your options, and build a defence strategy, call (905) 454-2112.
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Is It Illegal to Hitchhike?
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 poses a risk of serious injury or death to the person that is hitchhiking, among others; and accordingly, hitchhiking is unlawful and subject to a potential fine of one thousand ($1,000) dollars plus victim surcharge and court cost.
NOTE: A multitude of inquiries featuring “lawyers in my area” or “top lawyer in” typically indicates an urgent requirement for proficient legal assistance rather than a particular job designation. In Ontario, “licensed paralegals” fall under the jurisdiction of the same Law Society that governs lawyers and are permitted to represent clients in specified litigation cases. Core aspects of that position include advocacy, legal analysis, and procedural expertise. Walia Traffic Legal Services provides legal representation in line with its licensed jurisdiction, focusing on strategic planning, evidence preparation, and compelling advocacy designed to secure effective and favourable outcomes for clients.