Friend was denied entry because of new car (from US)

[thesandman89]

Hello, my friend was recently trying to visit a friend in canada and attempted to cross the border in a newly purchased SUV. I'm having trouble getting her to tell me the details as she is extremely upset (this happened minutes ago). Google searches haven't brought up much but any information about why they'd turn her away would be helpful. Once I get more details I'll update the thread.

Some quick notes, she has traveled to Canada before without incident, and she has a passport/proper identifications.

 

[computergeek]

My guess is she didn't have normal US plates on the car.

Usually, cars are much more expensive in Canada than they are in the US. Thus, border officers are on the lookout for people who are attempting to bring in cars to Canada and sell them. A car with normal plates wouldn't normally excite them, but a car without plates would likely be problematic.

I'm surprised they didn't allow her to post a bond, since they certainly have the discretion to do so.

A bit of internet searching did turn up that this is apparently suspect because it is also a way that stolen cars from the US are moved into Canada - and once across the border it is MUCH harder to find them.

I'm sorry she had a problem.

 

[scylla]

Has she been spending a lot of time in Canada?