End of the Road for Hitchhikers in Romania

Hitchhiking is still a widespread practice in Romania, where few rely totally on public transport. It is usually easy to flag down a ride, though drivers often expect a payment.

Now the ancient practice of sticking out a hopeful thumb by the roadside is at risk, as the centre-left government on Wednesday approved a law that says that transporting people may only be undertaken by "authorized" transporters.

Drivers who perform the same service as public transport, without due authorization, could be fined up to 5,000 lei (1,100 euro), according to the law.

The government says the law targets individuals who make a business out of giving rides, without reporting their earnings.

But critics say the law will penalise all drivers regardless, even those with small vehicles who transport strangers and seek a bit of cash.

The law has to be approved by parliament, before coming into force. Last year, the government also tried to push the law, but it failed in the end. Hitchhikers are hoping the same thing will happen this time.