Can I legally drive in Canada ?

[grindstone01]

The thing is, no LEO in Canada or any state for that matter is going to bother getting on the Florida web site to see what endorsements are required for your rig. You would really have to irritate a LEO for him to invest that kind of effort just to write a citation.

[lllkrob]

Having been to Canada several times, The two most important things to have is your passport and an insurance endorsement for Canada. You will find the Canadian Customs officials to be polite and friendly, the same cannot be said for US Customs people. Most likely they will want to do a brief vehicle inspection looking for fruit and vegetables. Also make sure you DO NOT take any firearms into Canada without the proper paperwork, completed and submitted in advance.

[Dark Sky]

We cross over at least once a year. The thing to watch with an rv is that there are some food items that you cannot bring into the U.S. and you can be subject to fines if they decide to search your rig and find anything 'forbidden'. In rough terms, no lamb, mutton, or goat meat, and no peppers. The best thing is to hit the web and get a copy of the latest list as it does change. We've gotten in the habit of writing a list of what food items we have on board and handing it to the agent at the border for review. They seem to really like that.

[docj]

Originally Posted by lllkrob

Having been to Canada several times, The two most important things to have is your passport and an insurance endorsement for Canada.

We've crossed into Canada in both the MH and the car numerous times in the past 7 years and have never been asked for an insurance endorsement for Canada. In fact, we've never been asked for insurance information at all, just vehicle registration.

[757driver]

Originally Posted by johnboy2

Still no definitive answer, but it looks like there isn't much worry. Now just need to check insurance.
Thanks all for the input.
John

I do not know how much more of a definitive answer you are looking for. “If you are legal in your home state you are legal in all of Canada”. End of story.

[lllkrob]

Originally Posted by docj

We've crossed into Canada in both the MH and the car numerous times in the past 7 years and have never been asked for an insurance endorsement for Canada. In fact, we've never been asked for insurance information at all, just vehicle registration.

No Customs will not ask for proof of Canadian coverage, but if you are in an accident the Canadian police WILL ask for proof of Canadian insurance coverage. Just don't assume your insurance is good in Canada, some insurance companies charge extra for this coverage.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

License requirements are reciprocal across North America.

You are subject to length and weight in each individual jurisdiction. Drive in a sane responsible manner and you are unlikely to have and issues for length or weight.

You are also subject to towed braking laws in eack jurisdiction in the US, not sure about Canada.

[docj]

Originally Posted by lllkrob

No Customs will not ask for proof of Canadian coverage, but if you are in an accident the Canadian police WILL ask for proof of Canadian insurance coverage. Just don't assume your insurance is good in Canada, some insurance companies charge extra for this coverage.

Thanks for the info; I'd not been aware of such cards. What I've now found is that most (all?) standard US policies cover vehicle use in Canada. However, the Canadian insurance card certifies that your coverage meets minimum Canadian standards.

The following was copied from an insurance broker's website:

A U.S. traveler in Canada is required to carry a motor vehicle liability card, plus vehicle ownership papers. A copy of the automobile policy is recommended to be carried. And a Canadian Non-Resident Interprovincial Motor Vehicle Liability Card is strongly recommended. The Canadian Non-Resident Inter-provincial Motor Vehicle Liability Card is proof of that your USA auto policy liability limits meet the minimum requirements for each / all Canadian provinces and territories and that your coverage extends to Canada and its territories. U.S. travelers who do not carry a Canadian Non-Resident Inter-provincial Motor Vehicle Liability Card and are stopped by Canadian police or are in an accident while driving in Canada risk being fined or having their vehicle impounded until proof of proper coverage is obtained.

[Poppy01]

Living close to the boarder, we used to always get Canadian Insurance Cards. A couple of years ago, Geico quit issuing them, stating that the US (Washington State) card was sufficient as the minimum requirements were the same. We switched to Safeco a couple years back and were told the same by them.