One act that I still see while driving from time to time in Berkshire County is folks thumbing for a ride, also known as hitchhiking. At one time, hitchhiking was somewhat commonplace in order to get from one place to another, but as time went on, the act declined due to safety precautions. You never know who you're picking up, and as the hitchhiker, you don't know who's picking you up.

As I mentioned, I still see the act from time to time and I started wondering if hitchhiking was illegal or if the hitchhiker could be fined for the act.

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I looked up Massachusetts in a legal article from HG.org just for fun to see what the state's law was regarding hitchhiking.

In the state of Massachusetts, you could be fined $50 for soliciting on a roadway as it is not allowed on turnpikes. Otherwise, the act is fine and legal as long as you are obeying road laws.

For me, I wouldn't hitchhike. The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about hitchhiking is that scene from the first 'Friday the 13th' (1980) movie with one of the would-be camp counselors and Mrs. Vorhees (Jason's mother). That's not for me or maybe I have been watching too many horror movies...lol

If you want to learn more about hitchhiking laws in other states, you can do so by going here.

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