Can I drive into Canada from the US with having a DWI 1 year ago?

Question

I have heard many different things...Can I drive from the US into Canada with my valid driver's license & Passport, even though I have had a DWI on my record? Can I be in the car and not be driving and get into Canada? Please advise.

Answer 1

See site below. Canada has the capability of running checks on everyone that enters.  They may NOT check everyone in the car you are in, but then again, they MAY...you never know.

Answer 2

They will ask for id for everyone in the vehical. They will scan the id's, or manually enter the numbers. They will tell you to pull aside and go inside the office at which point they will interrogate you for hours and ask you to explain yourself without suggesting exactly what needs explaining. They will than threaten to lock you up indefinately awaiting a hearing unless you sign an agreement to return immediatly to the US.

Many people are denied entry on looks alone, MOST border guards are on power trips and get off on picking on innocent people.

Unlike virtually every other country, Canada has no rights whatsoever for visitors at the border.

Answer 3

You said you had DWI a year ago, did you serve the punishments & penalties then? If yes, you need not to worry too much, keep all the documents handy, just in case. Also will u be driving to Canada alone or someone would be accompanying you? If so you can change the driving seat at the check post. But still remember the border patrolling police would question you as well & would check documents of all those in the car, so be prepared for it.

Key is don't hide facts to create any complications. For general info on DWI log into: http://www.aboutdwi.com/

Answer 4

No, they are denying entry to people who had DUI convictions 20 years ago!  You have to contact a consular or embassy official to see if you qualify for an exemption that gets you an entry permit.  Canadians with criminal records are denied entry into the US as well.

It is possible you id won't be run in the system and you are allowed in, but, if it is run, and you are denied, then the denial will show up automatically in the system at every point of entry.