recent border crossings?

[the squirrel]

I was just curious if anyone has crossed the fort frances border in recent weeks. I have a few buddies backing out on a fishing trip because of old dwi's. I my self have had one but i am still going has not stopped me for the last 7 yrs.

[Big T]

Squirrel- We've been through the Fort 3 times since Jan 1 and no problems. Coming back to the US is a little tighter. Probably for the best, ey?

[Squid]

Time to throw my two cents worth in on this issue. Last summer on our way through Ft Francis my brother got nailed for a DWI that happened 20 years ago. After a couple of embarassing hours and a few dollars lighter in the pocket book he was allowed to enter into Canada. Also he was given a form and he had to pay another fine if he wanted to enter again. Well, to make a long story short he hasn't had a desire to go back.
Things are changing it looks like. A couple of weeks ago at an annual seminar held by a Canadian fishing lodge I asked on the latest on this issue. By a reliable source that has an interest in this,there are changes in the works for the better. Since Sept 11 US and Canadian officials have gotten together to come up with a uniform set of rules for border crossings that will apply in both directions. One of these is that they will no longer look for DWI's older than 10 years. That's the latest, there could be more changes later but it is looking up.

[Guest]

What's the deal? Are you talking about DWI's you got in Canada and never took care of them?

[Guest]

Rickyp,

No,they are talking about DWI's that they got here in the states. A DWI is considered a felony in Canada and that makes it a whole lot tougher for those that have them to get into Canada.

Paul

[This message has been edited by Pwaldow123 (edited 02-20-2002).]

[SuddenlySummer]

DUI'S here in the states is what they are talking about. If you have one on your record, it's a felony. You have to pay about $300.00 before Canada will let you in. It's called an application for rehabilitation. It doesn't matter how long ago a DUI was.

Has anyone ever purchased a large ticket item like say a boat or motor in Canada and brought it back accross? Do you have to pay the Tax as soon as you cross or can you pay it later? I found a nice deal on a new Johnson on the web and the dealer is in Canada. Just wondered if anyone had info.

[cdnfisherman]

suddenly:

It has been my experience that if you buy something like that in Canada (a boat/car,etc), you must pay the Canadian tax and then pay the US state sales tax when you license it in the states....not when you cross the border.

I believe that you may be able to apply to the Canadian gov't and get the Canadian sales tax back, but I am not sure on this.

If any of you guys are thinking about buying a four wheeler/snowmobile, check out the prices in Canada. With the exchange rate the way it is, I think it may be cheaper.

JC

[the squirrel]

Thanks for the info guys! Does anyone know how much information they can get from your licence plates? I thought they could only get who the owner is if its licenced and not stolen and not your personal driving record.

[Dan97]

Suddenlysummer...

A few years ago I picked up a 75hp Yamaha outboard in Red Lake, Ontario. On the way back into Minnesota, I was asked to pick up a "UT-1" form at the border office. Basically a form that "allows" you to pay sales tax. They call it useage tax, but to me, tax is tax. I was able to pay the tax later. After I got home. Just pay it and be happy you got such a good deal.

You are able to apply for Canadian tax refunds. If I remember right, there is a limit as to how much you can claim, but you can get some if not all of it back.

Two facts you should be aware of with outboards coming into the states. First is warranty. You would think since the big name motors are sold worldwide it wouldn't make a difference. It may not with Johnson, but it did with my Yamaha. I had to jump through a few hoops, but Yamaha (in the states) did finally agree to honor any issues that may arise. Good idea to check it out ahead of time.

The second is the EPA. Emission standards north of the border are not the same as ours. The guys at the US border may not let you through with your "sweet deal" if the emissions of the motor are way off. They may also ask you for proof of EPA certification. If you can prove it's the same as it's southern brothers, you're fine. They didn't ask me for EPA proof, and I'm glad for that. In my case, it turns out that the Canadian 75hp Yamaha is actually a "detuned" 90hp. They're identical except for carbs and exhaust. The two things that really make a difference in emissions. I was able to get the motor certified with a bit of tuning and when I get a few extra sheckles I'll be turning it into the 90 it was supposed to be in the first place.

A couple more tips for you. First, if you can bring it home on the back of a boat it will help speed you through customs. I'm not saying buy a new one (not a bad idea) just take it home that way. On the back of your boat. Makes you look like a common fisherman rather than a dealer. Second, if you can, make the purchase with a credit card. Makes the whole deal go through smoother. Instant money exchange through your card, extended warranty in some cases and you don't have to carry so much green. And just as a reminder. Some people that make these big purchases up north will try to pull some shenanigans (sp?) with the US border guys. My advice to them is WHY? You just got a GREAT deal on a boat/motor. Get the UT-1 form, send in your tax and you'll still end up with a helluva deal. (I saved close to 2g's after taxes) Not worth the hassle I assure you.

Things may have changed since I got my "sweet deal". There may be more taxes, duties or some type of fees. Check it out. Maybe the dealer will work those costs into the deal somehow. With the exchange rate as "good" as it is right now, check out the details (C.Y.A.) it would be hard to pass up.

Hope this helps a little......Dan

If you need any more info, feel free to drop me an email at.....

[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Dan97 (edited 02-20-2002).]

[Piker]

I believe if your plates start with "WZ" or something like that, you'll really get checked. These plates I think are designed to be red flags, so try and take a vehicle that doesn't have those plates. Can anyone verify this for sure? This is just what I've heard.

[Guest]

What Piker says is true. If you ever see A plate with WZ on it, this means that the primary driver of the vehicle has had Dui problems in the past. I don't know if taking a vehicle without the "WZ" would matter though. Theyd find out some how.

[the squirrel]

I hear there is a new customs facility. Now we can just breeze through canada what!