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What are my chances of crossing the border after getting a DUI last year? Any one know what information the border patrol agents have when they pull up your license plates?
Canadian Border Crossing after a DUI
What are my chances of crossing the border after getting a DUI last year? Any one know what information the border patrol agents have when they pull up your license plates?
By tolerance only
Hi Fell,
Living close to the USA in the province of Quebec, I know plenty of people with a DUI who crossed the border back and forth without any trouble. That is not to say that it it widely accepted everywhere. There is a certain tolerance towards people who have commited a criminal offense that consists "only" of a DUI (as opposed to more violent crimes), although you will probably never find written literature about that matter.
From what I've heard from custom agents I know personally, they will be able to tell you have committed a criminal offense but they won't be able to know what the offense is exactly. I was told the key to enter the US or Canada with a DUI is to tell the custom agent right away about your DUI and be completely honest and straightforward about it. The worst that could happen is that they will sent you back to where you came from. Sucks, but keep in mind it could happen.
The only legal way to get through the border without all that hassle is to get a "Waiver" under certain conditions and it'll cost you a couple of hundred bucks or more. One last thing : have all your ID papers ready before you actually get to the booth so the agent will see you are a responsible and organized individual.
Good luck!
Gen
unlikely
I'm sorry to tell you that you will probably be out of luck when trying to cross the border. A DUI is considered a Felony in Canada, thus your drunk driving conviction will get you labeled inadmissable.
Your license plate is largely irrelevant. Its your passport that will be examined, and checked for a criminal record. A DUI within the last year will show up on that record, thus making it quite unlikely you'll be allowed to visit Canada. If they don't check your background, you could get lucky, but it appears that Canadian Authorities are checking backgrounds more often.
I once flew to Canada (NWT) on business.....all papers in order,but because I had a welders slag hammer in my luggage,they were going to deny entry because "they" thought I was coming up to work.The reason for the slag hammer I was going to inspect a barge for possible purchase and needed to chip some paint for inspection. Because I was able to give a contact name and company in Canada,they allowed me to continue....
Crossing the Border
I plan on driving to Vancouver in a few months. Thanks for all the tips in this post. I'll have NY plates, my passport, information about my trip, reservations at an Inn, etc. My son will be traveling with me.
Does anyone know if it's legal to take pictures of a border crossing?
-Kirby
I have
I've taken many photos, especially, of the Peace Arch and the surrounding park at the crossing at Blaine. The one at Sumas as well. This was after 9/11 so I would assume it's OK now. If it's changed, I'm sure they will have signs telling you so but I really don't see why it would be a problem.Originally Posted by Kirby
You will probably have problems with your son crossing with you if you're not prepared. If he is under age 18, you will need a notarized letter from his mother saying that it's OK for him to go over the border with you. Whatever his age, you will also need a passport for him or, at the very least, photo ID and a certified copy of a birth certificate.
I have too
I have always been fascinated with borders. I took pictures of all kinds of border crossings : Mexican, American and Canadian without any trouble before and after 9/11. I also took pictures of border markers in places were there is no border crossing, which can be considered as suspicious but I never had any problems. On one particular occasion, an American Border Patrol Helicopter was flying right over my head. I just snapped a picture, got back to my car and drove off slowly and casually. They followed me for a mile or so (into CanadaI(?!?)) and they went back to the States. I have to admit it was quite spectacular. Nevertheless, I doubt you'll encounter any chasing copter near busy border crossings, especially if you stick to major highways and quickly snap a photo of the building.
Gen
how long?
How long does it usually take to cross the border between the US and Canada? I assume time of day and location matter..so, which are the fastest?
wide ranging
The time it takes can literally range from under a minute to far more than an hour.
There are two factors: one; the volume of cars and two; the mood of the border agent.
I've pulled up to crossings on gravel roads in North Dakota/Sask and had no wait whatsoever. I've also crossed at places like Detroit/Windsor and Niagra Falls where I've see waits of an hour just to get to the checkpoint.
I've also had situations where I've given my name and said where I was going and was waived through, I've also had cases where I've had all the bags taken out of my car and searched.
Borders and questions..
If you search around the internet, there are a couple of sites which watch (webcam) and rate the border sites between the US and Canada.
As a rule of thumb, there are some very popular border crossing that can take a while to get through. The Peach Arch crossing near Blaine Washington always seems busy, and its taken me 40 minutes to get through on a busy afternoon. Other smaller and less popular crossings it's been 2 minutes.
When you pull up, they read your license plate and then check it against the identification in the car. They always ask a couple of questions -- where are you from, where you've been/ are going, purpose of triip, etc, and usually a "bonus" question or two -- just to see your response. "Any alcohol in the car?" "Any fruits or vegetables?" (agricultulral quarantine) "Do you have any firearms?" If the match between vehicle and passenger/ driver is off, or you look really nervous and really bobble the answers like you're making them up on the spot -- then you may get asked to pull aside and they want to take a closer look at what you're carrying, or ask you a few more questions.
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