Reasons You Absolutely Should Not Pick Up a Hitchhiker in Maine

I’ve noticed recently that Maine has some questionable roadside encounters.

You know those moments, you’re driving by and you see someone on the side of the road, with their thumb out, waiting for someone to hitch a ride with.

Picking up hitchhikers in Maine, may sound noble or feel like you are doing your Christian duty, but it comes with real risks.  

Aren’t there horror movies that start with someone picking up a hitchhiker?  

And because Maine is so very rural, and it takes forever to walk somewhere so because of that, we have a good amount of hitchhikers.

Is it even legal to hitchhike in Maine?

According to Maine Law, hitchhiking is mostly legal in Maine, but of course, their are some stipulations. It is illegal to solicit rides on the traveled are of any public highway, except in cases of accident or emergency.

You also can't hitchhike on access highways. Also, no hitchhiking at night, it's forbidden and drivers are prohibited from picking them up on interstates, toll roads, or toll booths.

So if you’re generous spirit is wanting to help a traveler out, please keep the following points in mind. 

Read More: Is It Illegal To Drive With Spikes On Your Wheels in Maine? 

Top Signs You Shouldn’t Pick Up That Hitchhiker in Maine

• They’re wearing a hospital gown
• You’re liable for what happens in your car.
• They have on shorts and a winter jacket
• According to them, they will dance for food
• They might be armed.
• You’re driving by a prison
• There’s something dripping out of their duffel bag
• The back of their shirt says “Correctional”
• You don’t know their intentions.
• They could be fleeing a crime.
• They could be mentally unstable.
• They might try to rob you.
• They are holding someone else’s thumb out (Okay, this one was just for fun, but seriously)

The next time you are tempted to pick up a hitchhiker, be aware, you might be inviting trouble into your car.