Last Updated: August 15 2026
Question: Can someone be charged with hitchhiking in Ontario and what penalties could apply?
Answer: In Ontario, a paralegal at Garrett Legal Services can help you understand whether your conduct falls under the Highway Traffic Act offence for soliciting a ride while “on the roadway,” and what penalties may follow if police lay charges: Under Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 177(1), hitchhiking is prohibited, and if convicted under the general penalty rule in Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 214(1), the fine can range from $60 to $1,000, plus victim surcharge and court costs. If you received a ticket or a court date, call (519) 857-5170 at Garrett Legal Services for a fast review of the charge and practical next steps to help protect your options in Ontario.
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. 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. 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
The law that forbids a person from hitchhiking along the roadway is prescribed by section 177(1) of the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8. For those found guilty of violating section 177(1), the details for the penalty upon conviction are prescribed by section 214(1) of the Highway Traffic Act whereas section 177(1) is actually silent, meaning absent, about the penalty details. Interestingly, what is actually defined as the "roadway" often requires careful review of the definition as per section 1 of the Highway Traffic Act. Within section 177(1), section 214(1), and section 1 of the Highway Traffic Act it is specifically stated:
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 considerable number of online searches for “lawyers near me” or “top lawyer in” tend to indicate a desire for swift, competent legal assistance rather than an inquiry about a specific professional designation. In Ontario, licensed paralegals are governed by the same Law Society that supervises solicitors and are permitted to advocate for clients in outlined litigation areas. Advocacy, legal analysis, and procedural expertise form the core of their responsibilities. Garrett Legal Services provides legal services within its defined licensing scope, focusing on strategic case management, evidence gathering, and compelling representation aimed at securing prompt and positive outcomes for clients.