New Jersey

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)

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.

isin: United States of America trash:New Jersey