Isn't hitch-hiking illegal?

Travel Info
I see men on the side of the road from time to time, thumb in the air and duffle bag at their feet. Of course I've never pick any of them up. I'd have to be crazy in this day and age -- as are they to trust total strangers! I always thought hitch-hiking was illegal, isn't it??? I live in the state of Illinois (U.S.) if that helps.

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I live in Illinois. Yes, I know that it is illegal because my cousin had to pay $500 dollars because he got caught.
Others

it probaly is illigal but people still do it
It's certainly not illegal in Australia, and many people do hitchhike.

However, I think your comments are quite right ~ you'd be mad to hitchhike and mad to pick anyone up!

It's just too risky and buses are pretty cheap.
Last time i heard it was but maybe they dont know that. It isnt in many European countries.