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
- Even on an ordinary road you may never stand on the carriageway or the hard shoulder to flag cars down: hitchhiking is allowed, but not from the asphalt
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Hitchhiking itself is not punishable, but standing as a pedestrian on a motorway or a motor road is a first-degree offence: since 1 July 2026 an immediate settlement of €64 (+ €10.67). That covers the on- and off-ramps too, which legally form part of the motorway — exactly where hitchhikers most often stand. A second, separate track also exists: where a municipal police regulation forbids hitchhiking (on a motorway service station, for instance), you risk a GAS fine. And the real cost is not the fine: standing on the carriageway is extremely dangerous.
📎 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 simply a pedestrian. Only on the motorway, motor roads and their on- and off-ramps may you not hitchhike, because pedestrians are banned there.
Can I hitchhike on a motorway ramp?
No. The ramps legally form part of the motorway, where pedestrians are forbidden. Ask for your lift in a safe, visible spot before the ramp, on the verge and never on the carriageway.
What do I risk if I do hitchhike on the motorway?
Standing as a pedestrian on the motorway is a first-degree offence: €64 plus a €10.67 surcharge since 1 July 2026. More importantly, standing among fast traffic 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). You then risk a GAS fine on top. Check the local regulation if in doubt.
Can I stand on the hard shoulder to ask for a lift?
Never. Even on an ordinary road you may not stand on the carriageway or the hard shoulder to flag cars down. Hitchhike from the verge, somewhere drivers can see you coming from far off.
🔎 Common searches
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