driving mothers car over border

[nkkst2 0]

I have a question that I hope someone can help me with....

When moving to the US, I would like to drive my moms car over the border. I would like to have the car there until I get a job and can buy my own car. Once I am allowed to come back to Canada (3-4 months after I cross) I would like to drive my moms car back and leave it in Canada for her to sell.

Am I allowed to cross with the K-1 visa with a car that is not mine and keep it there until my AP is granted and I can bring it back to Canada without having to register it and get the compliance letter and all that stuff?

Please give me any feedback or suggestions on what I can/cannot do?

thanks

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

Well, take this for what it's worth, but several months ago I had to borrow a car (while my own car was in the shop) to drive down to Seattle to pick up my wife from the airport. I had no problem doing this, i.e.: the border guard didn't even ask about the car's registration etc.

Now it's possibly a bit different if you're planning on keeping her car down there, but from the standpoint of actually crossing the border in another person's car, it doesn't seem to be a problem.

I would call the border to find out -- it would definitely be a POE issue.

Edited October 21, 2009 by Wyatt's Torch

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

Just a thought...

Have you considered having your mother "sell" you the car (transferring ownership, even if there's no cash transaction) so that you have it in your own name, thereby eliminating any problems? You can sell it back to her when you return. Unless it's an issue of insurance and/or registration, of course.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

You will want to make sure that the insurance still covers it while you are in the US. You shouldn't have to register the car as you are not importing it - and can't register it without title in the US . There are certain criteria that you need to make to import a car - and pay fees on it - so you really don't want to 'buy' the car and sell it back to her for the use of the car for 3 or 4 months. You should have your mother check with her insurer to make sure you would be covered while driving her car in the US and should arrange to get written 'permission' from her to take the car across the border temporarily and use it for several months. It will still be plated in Canada. You should check out before hand what the Driver's License requirements are for the State to which you are moving - you may not be able to get a DL until you get your green card or your Employment Authorization. You may also not be able to use your Canadian license beyond a certain point. It varies state to state.

Edited October 21, 2009 by Kathryn41

[nkkst2 0]

thanks alot... yes I would rather not transfer the title and just give my mother the cost for insurance for the months I am using it. I will find out about if the insurance does carry over to the US. I just was worried that I would have to actually import it, but didn't want to have to as I was only going to have it there for a few months.

I will call the POE to find out information as well just in case.

[kizza 1]

I crossed the border with my father's car before and I had no issues whatsoever.

As per insurance, mine covers me as long as I stay (or the car stays) under 183 days (6 months). Of course, you should check with your own insurance company.

[thetreble 19]

thanks alot... yes I would rather not transfer the title and just give my mother the cost for insurance for the months I am using it. I will find out about if the insurance does carry over to the US. I just was worried that I would have to actually import it, but didn't want to have to as I was only going to have it there for a few months.

I will call the POE to find out information as well just in case.

It's not really about whether or not you will pay your mother for the insurance for the months you are using it. A lot of insurance companies in Canada will not insure you in the US. Therefore, if you get into an accident int he US, you will have to pay out of pocket for it completely and may even be liable for a lawsuit.

Edited October 21, 2009 by thetreble