Hitchhiking remains an iconic but legally complicated practice. If you plan to thumb a ride, it’s important to understand that state laws on hitchhiking vary widely, and what’s legal in one place may get you a citation or worse in another.
There is no federal statute that broadly outlaws hitchhiking across all U.S. roads. However, certain federal regulations apply on specific lands. For example, under some Department of the Interior rules, hitchhiking is prohibited on National Park Service land unless designated areas expressly permit it.
Because there’s no blanket federal prohibition, the legality of hitchhiking mostly depends on state and local laws.
State-by-State Variations: Where Hitchhiking Is Banned or Restricted
Some states explicitly prohibit hitchhiking in certain ways. According to legal analysis, the list includes Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Wyoming, though the precise rules differ.
Key restrictions tend to revolve around where you stand to solicit a ride, rather than a complete ban on asking for a ride:
- In California, for example, Vehicle Code § 21957 makes it illegal to stand in the roadway to solicit a ride; but standing on a shoulder or sidewalk may be permitted.
- In Florida, state law prohibits standing in the paved portion of a road to ask for a ride.
- In Utah, some laws require permits for soliciting rides on highways or restrict hitchhiking to areas off the roadway.
Many states draw a fine line: standing in the traveled portion of a road to ask for a ride is often illegal, while standing on the shoulder, sidewalk, or designated pull-off may be allowed.
Safety and Traffic Concerns
The main justification for restrictive hitchhiking laws is safety. Standing in a lane or shoulder can obstruct traffic, put both hitchhikers and drivers at risk, and lead to dangerous situations.
Highway patrol and local law enforcement often cite hitchhikers for blocking or impeding traffic, especially on high-speed roads where stopping is risky or illegal.
Consequences of Illegal Hitchhiking
If you violate hitchhiking rules, you could face:
- Traffic citations: Many states treat prohibited hitchhiking as a traffic infraction.
- Fines: Depending on the jurisdiction, fines can range from modest amounts to more substantial penalties.
- Terry stops or police questioning: Law enforcement may stop you if they believe soliciting a ride is unsafe or interfering with traffic.
That said, actual enforcement varies widely. In many states, law enforcement rarely issues tickets for hitchhiking. For instance, some reports say that although dozens of hitchhikers were approached by state troopers, only a handful were cited.
Picking Up Hitchhikers — Is That Legal?
Yes, in most places, there’s no blanket prohibition on drivers stopping to pick up hitchhikers—unless a local statute specifically bans it.
Still, drivers should take care not to stop in unsafe locations, such as on limited-access highways where stopping is clearly prohibited.
Best Practices If You’re Considering Hitchhiking (in 2025)
Given the patchwork of rules, here are legal and safety tips:
- Check local laws before hitchhiking. Research the specific rules for the state or county, especially around highways and interstates.
- Stay off the traveled portion of the road. Wherever possible, use sidewalks, shoulders, or safe pull-off areas to solicit rides.
- Avoid interstates or limited-access highways, unless local law clearly permits hitchhiking there.
- Be visible and safe. Use daylight, wear reflective gear, and always face traffic.
- Know that enforcement is unpredictable. Even in “legal” states, police may still stop you if they see a risk.
Conclusion
In short hitchhiking is not uniformly illegal across the U.S., but it is far from universally permitted. Many states allow it in limited, regulated ways, while a handful have stricter bans on soliciting rides from the roadway. Because laws vary so much, it’s crucial for anyone considering hitchhiking to understand local traffic regulations and pedestrian rules.
