Travel Tips - Driving In Canada There are many sights and recreational opportunities in Canada that attract Americans on short drives and longer road trips north of the border. If you’re going to do any driving in Canada, there are several things that you should know before you go to ensure a hassle-free trip. Road Requirements U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Canada, as long as you are just visiting Canada and are a resident of the U.S. Your American auto insurance is also valid for driving visits in Canada. When you cross the border, you are required to produce proof of your auto insurance, which you should always keep with you when driving. As in some U.S. states, radar detectors are not allowed in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, or the Yukon and Northwest Territories. If you are caught driving with a radar detector, even one that is not being operated, you may receive a fine of $1000 and your device may be confiscated. No one should drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs anywhere in the world. This is a particularly serious offense in Canada and is grounds for exclusion from the country. Non-Canadians may be excluded from reentering Canada if caught driving under the influence and may even be prohibited from entering Canada for prior DWI convictions that have taken place outside of Canada. Check with your nearest Canadian consulate for details. Driving Pointers Though winter sports attract many to Canada, parts of Canada have long, harsh winters, well beyond what many people are used to in the U.S. Pay close attention to weather forecasts both before your trip and while on the road to keep updated on heavy snowfall and ice storms that can suddenly make road conditions dangerous. If you are planning to travel in winter months and have not already done so, be sure to prepare your vehicle for winter driving with a proper tune-up and oil change. Outfit your car with appropriate winter gear (i.e. tire chains, if allowed in the areas you plan to visit) and pack a winter driving kit with such items as food, extra clothing, and blankets. Year-round, the abundance of wildlife in Canada’s scenic rural areas draws tourists, but can also be the cause of severe and sometimes fatal accidents. Be alert for deer, elk, and moose on or near such roadways. If you do run into trouble on the road and are a member of the American Automobile Association (AAA), you can contact the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA); the CAA covers AAA members while they are traveling in Canada. More Information If you have any questions concerning driving regulations in the Canadian provinces, contact the Department of Transport, Motor Vehicle Division of the province(s) you will be visiting or the nearest Canadian consulate. Canadian consular offices are located in many large American cities. Information Source: U.S. State Department.