Driving in Canada

Levi Quinn

Driving in Canada has changed in recent years. Changes to the way border crossing is done has been recently undertaken in order to increase and enhance security. You need to know about driving in Canada before you set off. Ignorance could get you sent right back home if you fail to gather all necessary information first. If you are not familiar with the laws and border crossing regulations, there are many sites that supply this information for free. Be sure to look them up.

You must bring your photo identification with you to Canada as well as your driver’s license and your passport. Recent changes require everyone to bring a passport when crossing the border from either side. This allows officials to verify that you are who you claim to be and that you are not a breach to security. Make sure that your driver’s license and all other I.D. is up to date. Any expired information will need to be renewed before you can enter Canada. Check that it will not be expiring while you are there either.

Everyone that is travelling with you inside the car will need to provide the same information. Border control has to verify every person that wishes to cross the border, not just the driver. Even children will be required to show a passport so get this type of information gathered before your planned trip. It can take time to get a passport if you do not have one so factor the timing for that in as well if necessary.

The rules regarding what you can and cannot bring into Canada tend to change so make sure you are up to date on the latest. This information will be listed online so check it out and make notes of anything important. It would be unfortunate to pack things you can’t take and then have to dispose of them at the border.

You will always be asked for the legal information for your vehicle. Have everything on hand to show border patrol. They are always on alert, watching for stolen vehicles which many criminals attempt to bring over the border to flee authorities. Have your information up to date so that you can get through that much faster. When you are organized and ready to show information, the process will go much faster and smoother.

If you buy anything while you are in Canada make sure that you keep all of the receipts. The border guards may ask to see them when you pass through on your way home. It’s just another way of making paperwork help you get through the line that much quicker. You can also look up border wait times online to get an idea which crossing will be the quickest. Some are longer than others so consider that.

Keep in mind when driving in Canada that some of the traffic rules may vary. The speed limit is posted in kilometres rather than in miles so remember that too or you may find yourself with some speeding tickets. Driving in Canada can be beautiful and exciting if you take care to arrange it accordingly.