Last Updated: June 18 2026
Question: Can you be charged with hitchhiking in Ontario and what penalties could apply?
Answer: If you’re on an Ontario roadway soliciting a ride by hitchhiking, you can be charged under Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 177(1) and, if convicted, face a fine of $60 to $1,000 plus the victim surcharge and court costs as described under Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 214(1). Olson Craig Legal provides Lawyer & Paralegals support to help Ontarians understand the charge, assess your situation, and take the next steps toward your defence across Ontario. Call (226) 886-2001 to discuss your matter and book a free 1/4 hour consultation today.
Can a Person Be Charged For Hitchhiking?
As Per Section 177(1) of the Highway Traffic Act, Hitchhiking Is Unlawful and Subject to Penalties That Include a Fine Ranging From $60 to $1,000 As Well As a Mandatory Victim Surcharge and Court Cost.
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. Within Ontario, among other places, hitchhiking is unlawful as doing so creates a significant danger to the person that is hitchhiking. 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
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 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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