Can I hitchhike on the motorway?
Hitchhiking is allowed on ordinary roads, but not on the motorway or its ramps. As a hitchhiker you are a pedestrian, and there is no general ban on thumbing a lift along an ordinary road. But pedestrians are forbidden on the motorway and its on- and off-ramps (art. 21 of the road code), so you may not hitchhike there. Never stand on the carriageway or the hard shoulder to flag down cars — it is dangerous and forbidden. In practice, hitchhike in a safe spot before a ramp, on the verge, clearly visible. If you stand on the motorway, that is a first-degree offence (€64 since 1 July 2026). Some municipalities may restrict hitchhiking at specific spots (petrol stations, ramps) via a police regulation.
📋 The rules
- Hitchhiking on ordinary roads is not forbidden — a hitchhiker is a pedestrian
- Forbidden on the motorway and its on- and off-ramps (art. 21 of the road code)
- Never stand on the carriageway or the hard shoulder to hitchhike
- Hitchhike in a safe, visible spot, on the verge and before the ramp
- Standing on the motorway: first-degree offence — €64 (since 1 July 2026)
🔓 Exceptions
- A municipal police regulation can forbid hitchhiking at certain spots (petrol stations, ramps) — check locally
- Motor roads (with the specific sign) are also forbidden to pedestrians
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Hitchhiking itself is not punishable, but standing as a pedestrian on a motorway is a first-degree offence: since 1 July 2026 an immediate settlement of €64 (+ €10.67). You also risk a GAS fine where a local regulation forbids hitchhiking.
📎 Official sources
- Wegcode.be · road code (art. 21, motorways) →
- Mobilit.belgium.be · traffic rules →
- Mobilit.belgium.be · immediate settlements (1 July 2026) →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I hitchhike in Belgium?
Yes, on ordinary roads hitchhiking is not forbidden. You are then a pedestrian. Only on the motorway and its on- and off-ramps may you not hitchhike.
Can I hitchhike on a motorway ramp?
No. The ramps are part of the motorway, where pedestrians are forbidden. Ask for your lift in a safe spot before the ramp.
What do I risk if I do hitchhike on the motorway?
Standing as a pedestrian on the motorway is a first-degree offence: €64 since 1 July 2026. More importantly, it is extremely dangerous.
Can a municipality forbid hitchhiking?
Yes, via a police regulation a municipality can restrict hitchhiking at specific spots (such as petrol stations or ramps). Check the local regulation if in doubt.
🔎 Common searches
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