Want to explore Canada via Road trip ?? Here are some tips for driving across the Border into Canada !!

You should plan your routes before entering Canadian border! There is pretty much to explore in Canada. So, here are some tips for your trouble free road trip!!- Brought to you by PartsAvatar Auto Body Parts.

If you are driving from America to Canada there are quite a few things that you should keep into your consideration especially if you are on a road trip. Here we have outlined some tips for you to have a trouble free journey.

Drive on the right
Canadians drive on the right like most other countries. The best way to deal with having to drive on the wrong side of the road is to take your time and start out slowly.

Seat Belts Law
Safety standards are high on Canadian roads. Seat belts are compulsory. Ensure that the driver and others in the car are wearing seat belts otherwise a fine up to $2500 will be applied.

Necessary documents

Everyone wants their border crossing to go smoothly. The best way to make your trip memorable is to be prepared. You will need to show your driving license and a proof of insurance.

All visitors arriving in Canada need a passport or passport equivalent with the exception of children. You can also carry green card as the proof of insurance.

If you are crossing border from US, be ready to address the border officer at border service booth. He will be going through your passport and other documents.

Speed limit
Canadians practise defensive driving, but there is a rare chance of collisions from speeding. Wide open roads mean some drivers are impatient and will break speed limits.

If you are used to driving in the US, speed limits in Canada can seem pretty liberal. Overall, speed limits allow for faster driving in Canada than in the US.

Make sure you know the difference between kilometres and miles before you get behind the wheel and also know speed limits of every province and territory as they may vary.

Major roads in urban areas- 37 to 44 mph
2 lane highways outside cities and towns- 50 mph
Multi lane highway driving- 62 mph

Minimum driving Age
If you are driving across Canada, it good idea to make sure you know legal driving ages for provinces you may pass through.
In Alberta, learner’s permit can be obtained at the age of 14 but can only be used while driving with a non probationary licensed driver over 18. In other provinces, the learner’s permit (G1) is available at the age of 16.

Car rental companies will insist you are a minimum of 21 years old with a minimum of 1 year experience.

Written permission of guardian is mandatory
If you think you can easily cross the border without telling your parents, you will definitely end up in huge trouble. Adults who are not parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children, including the name and contact information of the guardian.

Even if you are not divorced from the child’s other parent, bring the other parent’s written permission to take the child over the border. Have the necessary ID for your children ready to present to a customs officer. Legal custody documents should be carried if divorced parents share custody of their child.

Check/ Empty your trunk
Sometimes supervisors at the border order their officers to pop every trunk, just for a look see. Unnecessary items in your trunk will just add more time to their questioning.

Be prepared for basic questions like “how long you will be staying?”, “why are you travelling to Canada?” and “where will you stay?” Answer with confidence.

On the spot fines and child safety rules
Traffic violations are generally dealt with tickets but in some provinces there are on the spot fines for small infringements but they aren’t common.

It is strictly illegal to use safety camera warning devices in Canada and you can face fine of about $650 for violating rules. Make sure there isn’t any!

Children less than forty pounds are supposed to travel in an approved child safety seat. Babies and toddlers must be in a rear facing seat fixed in the back.

When you return
When you return to US, you have to declare all the goods you acquired outside US such as gifts, prizes or awards. Keep the receipts of duty free shopping if the officer asks for them.

It is mandatory for the travellers to consume what they buy at duty free while they are in Canada. Also make sure to declare any repair or alterations you made to your vehicle while you were in Canada like repair or replacement of auto parts.

Roll down the front and back car windows
When you reach the border, roll down your front and back windows so that border officer can interact with everyone sitting inside.

Watch out for wild animals
There are various signs deployed on the roads to alert the drivers to certain wildlife type that are seen nearby. A real hazard can happen if you hit a deer or moose particularly when they show up out of the blue.

There is a high chance of getting killed after colliding with large animals. So, better slow down around those areas.

Watch out for icy roads
Winter driving in Canada can be a scary experience. Canadian winters are quite harsh and roads are often blocked with snow. So watch out for icy roads, rock avalanches, snow or other extreme conditions.

Some roads are very isolated. It would be worse if you get stuck for hours without any aid. Always have the number of local emergency services available.

Other road rules in Canada

1. Canadian drink driving laws are quite strict. If you already have a drunk driving conviction on your license within last five years, your admission in Canada will be prohibited. In other provinces you can be charged with $1000 fine money along with one year suspension of your license.

2. Always give way to pedestrians on pedestrians crossing.

3. It may be helpful to familiarise yourself with some basic French travel phrases before you go. You will come across many places with road signs in French.

4. At crossroads, only the direction of turn that is legal will be signposted, all other turns are illegal.

5. If the police stop you for any offence, remain seated in your car and switch off the engine.

6. Bribing a police officer is a serious offence, don’t even try to!

7. You cannot use a mobile phone without a hands free kit in Canada.

So, now that you know what you need to prepare, you can enjoy trouble free trip.

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