New Jersey

From Hitchwiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
New Jersey
<map lat='40.13641389990781' lng='-74.90924072265025' zoom='7' view='0' />
Information
Country:
Flag of United States
United States
Population: 8,938,175 (2014)
Licence plate: NJ
Major roads: I-78.svg I-80.svg I-287.svg I-95.svg I-195.svg I-295.svg US-9, Atlantic City Expressway
Meet fellow hitchhikers on Trustroots

In the US state New Jersey (or as the locals call it, Jersey) it is illegal to hitchhike.

Law

39:4-5, Begging rides prohibited. No person shall stand in a highway for the purpose of or while soliciting a ride from the operator of any vehicle other than an omnibus or a street car."

A highway is defined as any way between the boundary lines open for the public use. This includes on-ramps and shoulders.

Enforcement of this law by the police is very uptight. If you are stopped by the police in this state they will ask you for ID (as always) and probably just send you on your way. If it's a state trooper you are screwed. So remember: While hitching in NJ you have four options:

  • Every time you see a white car, drop the thumb and start walking (and fast).
  • Get a ride through the whole state.
  • NJ Transit to the state line (PA has more favorable laws)

Experiences / Advice

I have been all around Central and South Jersey. All the main highways, and the large ones are swarming with local police and state troopers. I have only ever attempted to hitch hike once in New Jersey on Route 1 and within a few hours I was picked up by a cop, informed of the law, and taken to a train station. I would strongly recommend hitchhiking in the state of New Jersey unless you are absolutely willing to get picked up by a cop and taken to a bus station/train station.


Hitching Out

If you do choose to hitchhike west out of New Jersey, the best option is try to hitch onto I-80 West from Mt. Olive, which is accessible via NJ Transit. The on-ramp is within walking distance of the train station.


trash:New Jersey