Is Hitchhiking Still Legal In America? What To Know About This Laid-Back Travel Method

Although it's uncommon these days, backpackers and laid-back travelers may sometimes need to thumb a ride for a free lift. You might wonder if that's even legal in the United States. Well, the answer is not a straight "yes" or "no," because while hitchhiking is considered illegal in some places, it is legal in others. In specific states like Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Utah, Wyoming, and Pennsylvania, hitchhiking is explicitly prohibited by law as a safety measure. However, most other states such as California, Colorado, and Arizona still permit it as long as the hitchhiker isn't interfering with the traffic on the highway. For example, California's Vehicle Code section 21957 specifically states that nobody can stand in a roadway to solicit a ride." In other words, there may be no problem, provided you're simply on the sidewalk or any other safe place away from the road.

Nonetheless, note that even in some of those states where hitchhiking is considered legal, there might be peculiar restrictions, especially in certain designated areas. In that case, before you set off, it might be wise to check out and confirm the local traffic laws, so you won't be committing a crime under the U.S. laws without knowing. Something as simple as a quick online search could even be all you need to save yourself from an unexpected fine or an unfavorable encounter with an officer. That said, hitchhiking can sometimes be your only means of movement, especially if you're in a rural area. As user edthesmokebeard noted on r/hitchhiking Reddit thread, "When you're 20 miles from nowhere and out of food, and you come to a highway, you hitch to town."

Hitchhiking used to be common in the mid-20th century. But it began to decline in the 1970s and 1980s largely due to crime and safety concerns among both drivers and pedestrians. Not many people do it anymore, as many now approach it with skepticism. Women in particular tend to seek advice before they decide whether to hitchhike or not, due to the dangers inherent in getting in cars with strange men.

Furthermore, with more people having their own cars, in addition to the availability of carpooling apps, rideshares, and more public transport options, the popularity of hitchhiking continues to drop. But this doesn't mean people don't hitchhike anymore, as many now connect through online forums and travel communities to share ideas and thoughts. For some travelers, hitchhiking is a bucket-list experience they're looking to try out. For others, it's a budget-friendly way to travel around on their adventure. Some even believe that this practice is safer than people think; however, caution is advised.

Being smart and responsible is the first major way to hitchhike without problems. So, one of the first things to do if you want to feel confident and safe during your travels as a hitchhiker is to confirm whether it's legal where you are. Generally, avoid interstates and always stay away from the motorway. You can simply wait around places where drivers naturally stop or slow down, such as gas stations, rest stops, cafés, and pull-offs, and stick up your thumb or raise a clearly visible sign. This keeps you within the law while also making things much more convenient and easier for you and the driver. Furthermore, staying neat and friendly can make drivers feel comfortable enough to give you a lift, so try to avoid making a discouraging impression.

Needless to say, it's always a good thing to trust your instincts, especially if you're hitchhiking at night (which may be best avoided altogether). You can throw in questions about where the driver is going or chip in some humor to understand the kind of person you might be dealing with. If you ever feel uneasy about a ride — let's say the driver is under the influence or seems suspicious — it's absolutely okay to decline the help politely. It's also a security move to keep your phone well-charged and share your location with someone you trust — including the vehicle registration number, color, and model.

At the end of the day, hitchhiking is more about knowing what you want and being sure that you want to give it a try in spite of the risks. And as FreelanceSeriously summarized via r/vagabond: "Thumb out, sign up, go with your gut!"