Does anyone know....???

[Sassy]

What exactly happens at the border in Canada if you have had a DWI in the United States?

Just wondering...I've been to Canada fishing with my dad and on the way in they didn't ask...just took ID. On the way back the US border patrol asked if either of us had ever been arrested...I had a DWI in college (21 years ago) and I said No and they took my ID and ran it through...and let us through. But I'm a crappy liar and now have a trip planned to Canada...If you say yes, what will happen?

[Rock Chalk]

I dont think you are allowed to drive in Canada if you have had a DWI/DUI in the US.

I could be wrong though, but Im about 70% sure on that.

[Sassy]

I won't be driving...but if I said yes, 21 years ago...I'm wondering what they can do? Or if I say No and they somehow find out what can they do?

[RkyMtnThunder]

I won't be driving...but if I said yes, 21 years ago...I'm wondering what they can do? Or if I say No and they somehow find out what can they do?

I would be upfront, better than being caught in a lie. I cant imagine them really giving you grief over a 1 time DUI offense 21 years ago?

Of course, I know nothing about border policy between US and Canada. Only familiar with the Mexican border which is a different animal entirely.

[Sassy]

Well, it freaked me out that the US patrol asked and the Canadians didn't....

What prompted me to ask is that we were talking about it before a class at the gym tonight and I heard different stories...one said they had a friend that had to pay a $200 fee even though it had been 20 years... another one said they couldn't get into canada...etc....not sure what's true.

DUI's are considered felonies in Canada...

[2KBack]

If the US side is asking, it sounds like procedure to deter border jumpers that are trying to avoid legal problems.

[ant1999e]

If they ask, just run the border.

[Sassy]

If the US side is asking, it sounds like procedure to deter border jumpers that are trying to avoid legal problems.

With a ND ID coming back into the US?

[watermock]

http://www.coolposters.com/images/posters/thumbnails/48818.jpg

If they got SMOTTS, just hit the gas! And list your address to some Stadium in North Dakota like Wrigley Field. They will never find you.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

What exactly happens at the border in Canada if you have had a DWI in the United States?

Just wondering...I've been to Canada fishing with my dad and on the way in they didn't ask...just took ID. On the way back the US border patrol asked if either of us had ever been arrested...I had a DWI in college (21 years ago) and I said No and they took my ID and ran it through...and let us through. But I'm a crappy liar and now have a trip planned to Canada...If you say yes, what will happen?Of course you have never been arrested (that they know of) why tell them anything different? They would never have that information from 20 years ago. If they did you forgot about it.

[watermock]

Of course you have never been arrested (that they know of) why tell them anything different? They would never have that information from 20 years ago. If they did you forgot about it.

Jeez Sassy...just say no! It's just perfunctory crap. Just din't have sweat rolling off your forehead. I'm sure you look real threatening.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Just don't try to smuggle in any duty free smokes or beer in you're trunk. They don't like that.

[Sassy]

I am a crappy liar :(

[loborugger]

"But officer, I had to drive home. I was too drunk to walk."

You do know that being a crappy liar is actually sign of good character.

They just asked you that question to see your response - they probably made you since you were a lousy liar and that is why they took your ID. Chances are that they arent interested so much in drunk drivers but in dope smugglers and the like. I think you are ok. However, in keeping with the nature of the Mane, feel free to send me all your personal info so I can in turn dime you out to the US BP when you make a posting that pisses me off.

[JDB7821]

What's the difference between a DUI and a DWI? I've always wondered that.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

What's the difference between a DUI and a DWI? I've always wondered that.One letter?














Different states, different meanings... Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Impaired, Driving Under the Influence.

[No1BroncoFan]

What's the difference between a DUI and a DWI? I've always wondered that.
Uaually:
DUI(I): Driving Under the Influence (of Intoxicants)
DWI: Driving While Intoxicated

DUI(I) usually means you're under the influence, but not seriously impaired (0.1 when the legal limit is 0.08). DWI usually means you got behind the wheel while seriously ****ed up.

Ben

[Blueflame]

What's the difference between a DUI and a DWI? I've always wondered that.

One could technically be cited as DUI (driving under the influence) if their blood test registers any alcohol at all. It can be used rather subjectively.

To be cited as DWI (driving while intoxicated), one's blood alcohol level is over the legal limit.

[Sassy]

Does Mr. B know anything about the border issue?

[Tredici]

Sassy, if they ran your license and nothing came up I would think you are fine.

Unless you can't help but confess to that littering charge...

[Blueflame]

Does Mr. B know anything about the border issue?

He is acquainted with some of the guys who work on the border... I'll ask if he could possibly make some inquiries. The last time we went across into Canada was September 2005... we didn't have any problems at all then either leaving the US or returning, but from what I understand, things may have changed quite a bit and passports will soon be necessary (if they aren't already).

[bronco610]

If all else fails contact a lawyer. One in the state you will be crossing at will have the answer for you and usually answer with out charge on a simple question like that.

[Spider]

Canada has changed alot , for 150.00 you can get in Canada No matter how old or new the DUI is ....... you go into a room ,Admit your wrong doing , say you wont do it again and Bang you are in like Flyn .... we went through this with a Driver 2 weeks ago ........

[houghtam]

What if we're not sorry?

[clarkster]

dwi in some states is driving while ability impaired, not drunk, but impaired. not sure if anyone still even has this one.
kn ew a guy that got a DWI or DWAI for being under the influence of cold medicine. heard of others getting for being sleepy at the wheel

[BombsOverBaghdad]

What exactly happens at the border in Canada if you have had a DWI in the United States?

Just wondering...I've been to Canada fishing with my dad and on the way in they didn't ask...just took ID. On the way back the US border patrol asked if either of us had ever been arrested...I had a DWI in college (21 years ago) and I said No and they took my ID and ran it through...and let us through. But I'm a crappy liar and now have a trip planned to Canada...If you say yes, what will happen?


As the old tired saying goes ............... been there, done that.
In my case, the DUI was five years earlier.
I was crossing the border to attend a trade show in Whistler, B.C. with 3 other men that I work with. (I was not driving).
At the border crossing, all us showed our ID as per usual. After reviewing everyone's ID, our van was directed to park at the border station.
All of sat there for nearly an hour before a border gaurd called out for two of us to come with him (myself and another guy from the group).
For the next 15 minutes or so, both of us were questioned as to why we had not either divulged or were truthful about our past (this is where I really began to sweat).
Turns out, both of us had DUI's -- mine 5 years earlier and his 7 or 8 years earlier.
Both of us were given the option of obtaining a temporary visa or temporary work permit (I cannot remember, it was 3 years ago) for a cost of $250.

Very nervous and embarassing situation.

I am not sure that people realize just how far the DUI laws have gone.
Here in the state of Washington, it is the only misdemeanor that you cannot have exphunged from your record. (Putting it in the same class as felony sex offenders, murders, and felony assualt)
It is the only offense that never leaves your driving record. This means that regardless of the time span between offenses during your lifetime (10 years, 20 years, 30 years, ... etc) each offense is accumulative and therefore the minimum sentencing guidlines accelerate proportionately. Here in the state of Washington, a second time offender is sentenced to a minimum 6 monthes in jail, fined (aprox.) $1,400, must complete a two year alcohol prevention course (cost aprox. $4,000), lose their license for 1 year, and once the license is restored -- you must have a breathalyzer in your vehicle for 5 years.

[Sassy]

What I really want to know...if I were to tell them, what would happen?
Like I said, it was 21 years ago.

[BombsOverBaghdad]

What I really want to know...if I were to tell them, what would happen?
Like I said, it was 21 years ago.

Given the time involved and the fact that some states have not entered everyone's past driving records into shared databases -- I would not say anything. Since you have already crossed the border previously, I believe that you run littl risk of problems. And if you are questioned, I would tell them it was a misdemeanor from 21 years ago -- that you thought it was off of your record.

Just please do not wear a turbin :wave:

[HorseHead]

that's strange they got ya on the way out...

it might be different in terms of which Canadian province you are going into...where I live, we often go into Quebec, and they'll ask ya "do you have any thing on your record in terms of driving offenses", you can lie or tell the truth. If you do, they offer for you to pay a fine...

the Canadians are running a racket...screw 'em...their bacon is weird, and their beer blows...thank god thay gave us hockey and Pam Anderson....

[Hogan11]

What I really want to know...if I were to tell them, what would happen?
Like I said, it was 21 years ago.

I would kill you on the spot.

Really, we've been over this several times...do not offer up any info like this. 21 years ago, I'm sure the statute of limitations has taken care of the issue by now.....don't lose any more sleep over it.

[Sassy]

I would kill you on the spot.

Really, we've been over this several times...do not offer up any info like this. 21 years ago, I'm sure the statute of limitations has taken care of the issue by now.....don't lose any more sleep over it.


That I already knew!

[DennisSmithHOF]

Just so you know, you now have to have a passport to get into Canada, not just your id/birth cert. Thought I would give you a heads up, since I don't have one, though you may.

[worm]

Ya'll going up to Niagara for something? :angel:

[missingnumber7]

If you are really that worried just go drive across on some farmers trail in north dakota.

[Sassy]

Passport isn't until 2008 ???

[Sassy]

Ya'll going up to Niagara for something? :angel:

ROFL!

[BombsOverBaghdad]

That I already knew!

Sassy, I believe that everything will be fine for your trip. 21 years ago is just that -- 21 YEARS AGO!!!

Relax and have fun! Canadians are great people (communist leanings not-with-standing)

[Sassy]

Sassy, I believe that everything will be fine for your trip. 21 years ago is just that -- 21 YEARS AGO!!!

Relax and have fun! Canadians are great people (communist leanings not-with-standing)

I hope so...so I lie then?

[-Slap-]

Alright, Sassy, what did you do with the hitchhiker's body?!?!

[Needa Pass Rush]

From www.CBP.Gov

If you are asked during a border crossing if you have ever been arrested it is important that you tell the truth about any infractions. Even if it was a minor traffic offense many years ago you may be subjecting yourself to a complete cavity search.

[Sassy]

I have a DUI, can I enter Canada and the U.S.?

Question
I have a DUI, can I enter Canada and the U.S.?

Answer
As a general rule, Canada does not allow persons with DUIs to enter their country, although they do have a process for applying for a waiver. Canadian Customs can be reached at (506) 636-5064.

A DUI conviction is not grounds to deny entry into the U.S.


Just great :(

[Sassy]

Inside Canada: DWI or DUI (Impaired Driving) Conviction


Thinking about traveling to Canada? You'd better reconsider if you have been convicted of impaired driving (DWI or DUI) in the United States within the last ten years. Persons convicted of either offense are considered inadmissible to Canada.

(By the way, across Canada impaired driving is driving with a blood alcohol concentraion (BAC) above .08 or driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. It is a serious offence to fail to give a breath sample when requested by police, with penalties the same as those for driving while impaired. And a first offense conviction of impaired driving results in a criminal record, a minimum $600 fine, and a driving prohibition for a minimum of one year.)

Routine screening upon entry into Canada includes the question, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?” If you have been convicted of impaired driving, even if an accident was not involved, you may be denied entrance to Canada-- even if you have no other criminal violations. Think carefully, and don't lie about any convictions you have, even if they are extremely trivial, especially if you are entering from the U.S.; increased cooperation between Canada and the U.S., as part of post-911 security measures, means that the border agent questioning you could already have access to any criminal record you may have. Lying (or forgetting) about a conviction could get you barred from entry into Canada for many years.
Canadian law does not let you enter the country for at least five years from date of your conviction. After this five-year waiting period (assuming you have not been convicted of another offence) Americans can apply for “criminal rehabilitation” by submitting the following:

An application form IMM 1444E
A passport size photograph
A copy of your passport data pages
An FBI police certificate
A state police certificate
Copies of court documents indicating the charge, section of law violated, the verdict, and sentencing
Proof of completed sentences, paid fines, court costs, ordered treatments, etc.
Copies of the text of the law describing the offence.
Detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the offence
Three letters of reference from responsible citizens.
A non-refundable processing fee of $180 USD
Further information can be found at Citizenship and Immigration Canada's webpage, Overcoming Criminal Inadmissibility.

It might be possible to get a temporary pass at the border station, but this is up to the passport control officer's discretion and requires a $200 (Canadian) fee. There would be no way of knowing whether or not this would be available for you until you show up at the border and are initially rejected entry to the country.

One more interesting twist on this involves transiting the Vancouver International Airport (and quite possibly any other Canadian airport). When arriving on an international flight from the USA, you will be required to clear passport control, even if you are continuing to a connecting international flight with a destination outside of Canada. If they find the DWI / DUI on your record they may send you to the immigrations screening and potentially a very long wait (they will not care if you miss your connecting flight).

CRAP!

[bronco610]

That sentance right there seems to answer your question.

[Tredici]

You'd better reconsider if you have been convicted of impaired driving (DWI or DUI) in the United States within the last ten years.

So there isn't a problem for you Sass, right?

[Sassy]

But then it lists all the paperwork and a fine.
I think that's for no matter how long it's been.

[Tredici]

Then why would the article start with that premise - the last ten years?

[BombsOverBaghdad]

I hope so...so I lie then?

No, I would never suggest you lie ........... simply just do not volunteer the info. Wait for the border patrol to bring it up

[Sassy]

It says on the border patrol site that they will ask...

[Atwater His Ass]

I had my first and only DUI one year ago. I have been to Canada since then. If the border guard asks (they don't always) you should always tell them no matter the time frame or circumstances. It is at the border guards discretion if he/she will let you into the country. You may or may not be asked to pay a fee.

You also do not yet need a passport to get into Canada. I belive that goes into effect in 2008 or 2009.

[watermock]

I don't think Sassy would be too threatening. Who knows tho...they could wave an Islamic terrorist thru and strip search her for political correctness or just a cheap feel.

I don't think you have anything to worry about. 21 years ago?