Section 2110 - Hitchhiking forbidden1.Definition. As used in this section, "hitchhike" means to endeavor by words, gestures or otherwise to beg, invite or secure transportation in a motor vehicle not engaged in carrying passengers for hire, unless the hitchhiker is known to the driver or a passenger. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).]
2.Violation. A person commits a traffic infraction if that person hitchhikes on: A. The traveled portion of a public way; [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).]B. A limited access highway, including but not limited to the Maine Turnpike; or [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).]C. Any portion of a public way during the nighttime. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).] [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).]
3.Exception. This section does not prohibit solicitation of aid in the event of an accident or by persons who are sick or seeking assistance for the sick, if the sickness is bona fide and an emergency exists. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).]
4.Regulation. A municipality may regulate or prohibit hitchhiking on a public way by ordinance. The Department of Transportation may regulate or prohibit hitchhiking on a state or state aid highway in the interest of safety at those locations where accidents may be a problem, limited visibility exists or severe traffic conflicts or other safety factors may occur. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).]
5.Posting. An area in which hitchhiking has been regulated or prohibited must be clearly identified by posted signs. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).]
6.Forfeitures. For a violation of subsection 2, a forfeiture not to exceed $50 may be adjudged. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).]
1993, c. 683, §A2 (NEW) . 1993, c. 683, §B5 (AFF) .