Last Updated: August 22 2026
Is it illegal to hitchhike in Ontario?
In Ontario, hitchhiking (standing or walking on the roadway to solicit a ride with a thumb up) is an offence under Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 177(1), and the fine on conviction can range from $60 to $1,000 plus the victim surcharge and court costs. The Highway Traffic Act defines “roadway” as the improved, designed, or ordinarily used portion of the highway for vehicular traffic, excluding the shoulder, so the exact location can matter. If you are facing a charge or want to understand your options, Lo Greco Law provides 30+ year experienced lawyer services and LSO tribunal representation across Ontario, including after roadside enforcement, call (416) 488-4110 for prompt guidance.
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Is It Unlawful to Solicit Rides by Hitchhiking?
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.
Note: Please contact Lo Greco Law by phone at: (416) 488-4110 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.
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. 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.
