Is Hitchhiking Illegal In Idaho?

Maybe you're trying to get to Idaho Falls to visit your grandma. Or, maybe you're traveling to Pocatello, and you ran out of gas. Whatever the case, if you do find yourself in need of a ride here in Idaho, can you simple jump into a car with a stranger?

Wait, so is hitchhiking illegal in Idaho or not?

Well, yes and no. It's...complicated.

Will you get a ticket or go to jail for hitchhiking on a sideroad in Meridian? No, no you will not. However, if you are caught trying to solicit a ride while you find yourself on an Idaho highway, yes you could very much get yourself in trouble.

From Idaho Statute Section 49-709(1):

• No person shall stand on a highway for the purpose of soliciting a ride.

See? It's pretty specific. If you are caught trying to hitchhike on an Idaho highway, yes you will probably get a ticket, or worse.

While we don't condemn nor condone hitchhiking, please be careful out there before you get in a vehicle with a complete stranger, ok?

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Again, we're absolutely not advising you to go hitchhiking across the country. However, if you're dead set on making it happen, here's a few pointers from "hitchhiking experts"

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If you are hitching a ride, you may want to ask your friendly driver to roll the windows up. Boise is smelling a tad bit...funky...as of late. If you're wondering why, allow us to unveil the stinky secret: