Hitchhiking’s Not Smart, but It’s Legal
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Re: the March 10 Letters in Life & Style in which a Woodland Hills resident claimed that hitchhiking is illegal in California, I want to clear up the issue once and for all.
The Vehicle Code Section referenced applies only to pedestrians standing in the roadway. It is not illegal to solicit a ride if you are standing on the sidewalk.
However, we caution everyone about the dangers of hitchhiking and strongly discourage the practice. Many unnecessary crimes, and ruined lives, would be spared if people would refrain from this dangerous activity.
ALAN KERSTEIN
Captain, LAPD Valley
Traffic Division
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