New Jersey

In the US state New Jersey (or as the locals call it, Jersey) it is illegal to hitchhike. This is provided by 39:4-5, which states: "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:

• Walk through the state (it's a very small state)
• 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)

That said, 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.

States of the USA

Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming