How long can I drive a car with American plates in Canada?

Question

I am Canadian permanent resident and for the last 7 months I've been working in US. I bought a car and I want to take it with me to Canada. How long can I drive in Canada with the original american plates? The point is, that I cannot import it right away...Thank you for your answers!

Answer 1

You can continue using your American driver's license for up to 60 days after you move to Canada. You have to switch over your vehicle's registration and plates within 30 days of moving to Canada.

Also, a previous poster made an incorrect statement. There are NO duty fees to pay when you bring your vehicle with you. You already own the vehicle. You're just bringing it with you. That poster had to pay duty on their vehicle because they BOUGHT it in the U.S. as a Canadian and then were essentially 'importing' that vehicle into Canada afterward - BIG difference there.

Answer 2

When you cross the border with the car, they will give you all the information.  You will have to pay duty on it immediately at the border.  Then you will be given forms for all kinds of things you have to do with it within a specified period of time.  My advice is to sell the car in the US and buy another when you get back in Canada.  We bought a vehicle in the US a few years ago and it was a million headaches when we brought it back to Canada.  I would not do it again unless it was a verrrrry special car and I got it for a verrrry special price.  Here is the link you need to study.  Best of luck.

Answer 3

Well, you are supposed to change your plates within 6 months of declaring residency but honestly, unless you get caught (meaning pulled over) it really doesn't matter.

With a Canadian license you will eventually need Canadian Plates, same goes with your insurer. A Canadian insurer wants to see Canadian Plates.

Answer 4

As long as it has insurance its your business. Otherwise you have 8 weeks.