It's a racket. When I worked for the Alaska ferry system we were docking in Prince Rupert and we had guys who had DUI's and were told they needed to pay $200 for a "background check" and then they would be allowed to enter. Well obviously they already did a background check and seen they had a DUI.

 

The $200 is for a 'Rehabilitation Waiver' or a 'Temporary Resident Visa.'

 

Whatever it is called it is a racket.

 

I agree.

 

A few years ago a friend of mine that had a DUI was told to pull forward he was denied entrance into Canada, the border patrol had typed his LP in wrong and then he had difficulty getting back into the US. He was held up there for about 3 hours while they figured it out.

 

If it's any consolation the US border guards are just as tough on us when we try to cross.

It took me an hour to cross last summer when I rode down to Sturgis. I made the mistake of saying I was going there. I should have lied and said I was going to visit my grandma or something.

She tried so hard to get me to admit to something. "Who are you riding with" "What club do you belong to", "Who are you meeting in sturgis", on and on.

Finally took me into the office and searched me, searched the bike. Didn't find a thing of interest and finally let me cross.

They are mean down there.

 

you will have a harder time getting back into the US, then going into Canada.. i sat in a customs office for 17 hours once..never did get a reason..

 

I've had DWIs in the past(last one in '92)and rode into Canada in 2010. North shore of Lake Superior. Took about two minutes to pass through. No problems. From what I've looked at online there is a rehabilitation period policy they go by, possibly five years or more. Or agents disgression.

 

Even after you go through the 'Rehabilitation' period, or have absolutely no record at all, it's still at the Agents discretion.

They have the right to refuse anyone, anytime, and are not required give any reason, but usually will.

 

We had a guy in our group last summer who had a DUI in the early 90s who passed through no problem both at the Sarnia crossing north of Detroit and again coming back through Niagara Falls NY.
One of the guys has a son with the same name who has a conceal and carry permit in MN and got more of a hassle than the one with the DUI... but did get through without much of a hold up.