Last Updated: August 22 2026
Question: Can a person be charged for hitchhiking in Ontario?
Answer: Yes. In Ontario, if you are on the roadway soliciting a ride from a driver (often called hitchhiking), it is unlawful under Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 177(1), and a conviction can result in a fine of $60 to $1,000 plus the statutory victim surcharge and court costs under Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 214(1). If you received a ticket or want help understanding whether the area counts as the “roadway,” Gutoski Legal Services can help a paralegal review your options in Ontario and prepare your next steps; call (289) 902-0227.
Add this website to Google Preferred Sources
Is There Such Thing As Being Charged With 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 Gutoski Legal Services by phone at: (289) 902-0227 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.
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. 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;
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 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 significant amount of online searches for terms like “lawyers near me” or “best lawyer in” typically indicate a demand for prompt and skilled legal assistance rather than a particular professional designation. In Ontario, licensed paralegals are governed by the same Law Society that supervises lawyers and are permitted to represent clients in specified litigation issues. Advocacy, legal analysis, and procedural expertise are vital to this function. Gutoski Legal Services provides legal representation within its licensed framework, focusing on strategic positioning, evidence preparation, and effective advocacy with the goal of attaining swift and beneficial outcomes for clients.
