Is Hitchhiking Illegal in Michigan?

Something that you don't see very often in Michigan anymore are hitchhikers. Seriously, when was the last time that you saw someone walking down the road with their thumb stuck out trying to get a ride?

See Also: Is It Illegal to Warm Up Your Car In Your Driveway in Michigan?

Do we not see many hitchhikers in the state anymore because it's illegal? This is one of those questions that has a yes and no answer.

There's a real gray area when it comes to hitchhiking in Michigan.

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Is it Illegal to Hitchhike in Michigan?

While there is not a statewide "hitchhiking" law in Michigan, there are restrictions that don't allow hitchhiking in certain cities, townships, and villages.

Section 7.13 of the Uniform Traffic Code for Cities, Townships, and Villages expressly prohibits hitchhiking within the limits of any municipality that has adopted the code as a local ordinance, stating "A person shall not stand in the roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride, employment, or business from the occupant of any vehicle." A municipality that has not adopted the code may also have an ordinance against hitchhiking.

Hitchhiking is subject to local regulations and can be restricted at both the municipal and code levels.

In today's world, I don't understand why anyone would even consider jumping into a vehicle with a complete stranger. I also don't understand why a driver would allow a stranger to jump into their vehicle. But then again it happens every single day with Uber and Lyft. I guess I just have trust issues.

What States Don't Allow Hitchhiking?

According to World Population Review, it's illegal to hitchhike in the following states:

1. New York
2. New Jersey
3. Pennsylvania
4. Nevada
5. Utah
6. Wyoming