Speeding

[Sykotyk]

First time I ever entered Canada, it was 2:30 in the morning and I was 17. Being a smart ass, the girl in the booth asked where I came from, and I pointed behind me and said, "That road right there."

She wasn't amused. An hour later, I got to legally enter Canada.

Sykotyk

[agentsteel53]

First time I ever entered Canada, it was 2:30 in the morning and I was 17. Being a smart ass, the girl in the booth asked where I came from, and I pointed behind me and said, "That road right there."

She wasn't amused. An hour later, I got to legally enter Canada.

Sykotyk

actually, once coming back into the US from Canada, I was asked "how long have you been in the US?" because I have a green card.  I answered "about 45 seconds? dunno how far back the border is".  I wasn't trying to be a smartass; I just answered the question in the frame of mind I happened to be in, which is "I am crossing an international border at this exact moment".  the agent actually laughed and, after clarifying, asked me two or three more questions and waved me on.  Smoothest return to the US I've ever had.  This was in 2006, btw, at the I-81 entry point.

[vdeane]

Something tells me that trick doesn't work at international crossings due to the depth they go with questions (too bad; I'm normally so close to Canada it would be nice to do some roadgeek trips up there!), but I'll keep it in mind if border patrol ever decides to set up a road block when I'm out (been lucky so far).

Btw, the exact location of the border at I-81 is the bridge between Wellesly and Hill Islands.  It's not particularly easy to see due to the stone walls; they're just high enough that the International Rift isn't visible from a vehicle.

[agentsteel53]

(too bad; I'm normally so close to Canada it would be nice to do some roadgeek trips up there!)

indeed - and I am so close to Mexico, and let me tell you, my greatest aversion to going there is not the crime and violence in that country (easily avoided if you exercise a bit of caution) but rather, the US border patrol.

[corco]

Something tells me that trick doesn't work at international crossings due to the depth they go with questions (too bad; I'm normally so close to Canada it would be nice to do some roadgeek trips up there!),

My plan if I know it's coming is to have a plan. It's important to be very honest at border crossings, so what you have to do is massage what you're doing so that it sounds palatable. If I were to drive into Canada just to do a roadgeek related loop, I'd say "I'm working on an academic project that requires me to go up to Canada for the day to explore this area" and if they inquire what that project is, say you're exploring the cultural geography of whatever the region is called. That's not lying (it would be impossible for them to prove whether or not you're exploring the cultural geography of something) and it sounds sufficiently academic that it should fly.

It also explains why you're by yourself- if you're on a roadtrip to explore an area you should be with friends, but if you're doing something academic it's perfectly understandable why nobody is with you.

[agentsteel53]

I've always had good results with "I'm a photographer - I'm going on a photo trip".  SLR camera gives credibility. 

as for why I am by myself - I usually do not have the patience to get into the intricacies of introverted vs. extroverted personalities... but luckily, people generally tend to just observe that I am by myself - an observation which I can confirm without elaboration - and rarely do I get the point blank "why are you by yourself?"  (because there isn't anyone else with me, you fucking twit)

[J N Winkler]

Gee, you guys have had much longer conversations with officials at land border crossings than I have ever had.  The lengthiest one I had was the second time I entered Mexico, at Ojinaga, and it became clear to me (massively in retrospect) that the officials were dancing around the fact that I was supposed to have paid for my tourist permit the first time I entered and this had not happened.  Arrival at UK ports of entry (always by air, sea, or rail) tends to be where I have difficulties.

My plan if I know it's coming is to have a plan. It's important to be very honest at border crossings, so what you have to do is massage what you're doing so that it sounds palatable. If I were to drive into Canada just to do a roadgeek related loop, I'd say "I'm working on an academic project that requires me to go up to Canada for the day to explore this area" and if they inquire what that project is, say you're exploring the cultural geography of whatever the region is called. That's not lying (it would be impossible for them to prove whether or not you're exploring the cultural geography of something) and it sounds sufficiently academic that it should fly.

I wouldn't choose that approach because it would encourage them to wonder why you were over-volunteering information.  Excessive volubility is often seen as a sign of a guilty mind, as is quick resort to an obviously prefabricated narrative which relies on specialized knowledge or is not immediately checkable as objective fact.

I'd recommend watching the movie Ararat (which uses a lengthy interview with a Canadian customs officer as a framing device) for an idea of how that can play out.  For that matter, the description of the Russian interrogators' tactics in Le Carré's Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (either the book or the Alec Guinness miniseries adaptation) also gives an idea of what immigration and customs officers can do--they can go at you in shifts until your imagination runs out and you cannot think of anything else but the real reason you are seeking entry or importation of goods.

Instead, I'd keep it simple.  "Tourism"--one word--usually does it for me.

It also explains why you're by yourself- if you're on a roadtrip to explore an area you should be with friends, but if you're doing something academic it's perfectly understandable why nobody is with you.

I don't agree with this.  Travelling solo is not something that should require elaborate explanation or efforts at window dressing.  I usually travel alone, and the majority of times I have crossed the border I have been alone, and I have never once been asked why I am alone.  Travel is an intense experience that can make or break friendships, so it is perfectly normal for some people to prefer to travel by themselves, even as tourists.

[agentsteel53]

The lengthiest one I had was the second time I entered Mexico, at Ojinaga, and it became clear to me (massively in retrospect) that the officials were dancing around the fact that I was supposed to have paid for my tourist permit the first time I entered and this had not happened.

I've never had any conversations entering Mexico, beyond one time when they asked me to pop the trunk and gave me a cursory inspection.  It is the internal checkpoints in Mexico where I have conversations, and they are always brief.  My level of Spanish (if not my California vehicle registration) very quickly establishes that I'm a tourist and therefore if I am not harassed, I might spend my dolares in the country.

[corco]

I wouldn't choose that approach because it would encourage them to wonder why you were over-volunteering information.  Excessive volubility is often seen as a sign of a guilty mind, as is quick resort to an obviously prefabricated narrative which relies on specialized knowledge or is not immediately checkable as objective fact.

This is true- I'd only volunteer that information if asked.

The worst I've ever been searched driving into Canada (I had to get out of my car, go into a secondary room, and empty my pockets while my car was being searched) was when I just spilled every little piece of information without them asking. In retrospect, it sounded really prefabricated (even though in that instance I actually had a destination and was being honest!), so I agree with that.

I usually travel alone, and the majority of times I have crossed the border I have been alone, and I have never once been asked why I am alone.  Travel is an intense experience that can make or break friendships, so it is perfectly normal for some people to prefer to travel by themselves, even as tourists.

It may be tougher at a younger age. The border partrol seems to be under the impression that there aren't many 18-22 year olds that take daytrips across international boundaries by themselves for legitimate reasons.

[agentsteel53]

It may be tougher at a younger age. The border partrol seems to be under the impression that there aren't many 18-22 year olds that take daytrips across international boundaries by themselves for legitimate reasons.

indeed.  60 years old, in an RV, as an obvious husband and wife team? "come on in! welcome to Canada!"  20s, alone, in a small car in disreputable condition? "get off my lawn!"

[J N Winkler]

This is true- I'd only volunteer that information if asked.

The worst I've ever been searched driving into Canada (I had to get out of my car, go into a secondary room, and empty my pockets while my car was being searched) was when I just spilled every little piece of information without them asking. In retrospect, it sounded really prefabricated (even though in that instance I actually had a destination and was being honest!), so I agree with that.

Thanks--I understand your approach better.  It is certainly a good idea to be prepared for follow-up questions when they are asked.

It may be tougher at a younger age. The border partrol seems to be under the impression that there aren't many 18-22 year olds that take daytrips across international boundaries by themselves for legitimate reasons.

This was a factor I hadn't considered; I didn't start crossing international boundaries on a reasonably frequent basis until I was 23.  (First time was actually at age 16, but I was with my parents at the time.)  I can see why they would be suspicious, just in terms of income (or the lack of it) for travelling, presumed access to a party scene involving drugs, and having to stick to a college schedule.

indeed.  60 years old, in an RV, as an obvious husband and wife team? "come on in! welcome to Canada!"  20s, alone, in a small car in disreputable condition? "get off my lawn!"

The last time I visited Canada was in 2003, while I was still in my twenties, in a 1986 Nissan Maxima with oxidized paint.  I entered Canada at the Roosville POE (north end of US 93).  Are you bringing in liquor?  No?  OK, go on ahead.  Then, re-entering the US at the north end of US 97, I find a shared Customs facility still under construction, and a single inspector handling traffic out in the open (no booth, etc.).  After staring at my passport for a long time he finally points at the Turkish airport visa and says something.  I point at my ears, shrug, and look confused.  Open your trunk, please.  I do that, he looks, I feel the trunk lid close, and that's it.  Then I stop a few yards later to get a photo of the project funding sign for the POE, which has obviously been made by the Americans because it gets the Canadian maple leaf symbol subtly wrong.

[Duke87]

Both time's I've crossed into Canada and both times crossing back into the US "I'm/We're going to visit/were visiting some friends for the weekend" has flown just fine as explanation. Of course, in both instances, it was true.

The thing is, the next thing they ask is "how do you know these friends?". I was kinda worried that "through the internet. We share a fascination with roads." might raise an eyebrow, but it didn't.

The best question I've gotten is "how many people are you traveling with?". No mister border guard sir, we are not hiding anyone in the trunk! It's just the two of us! (of course, all I actually said was "it's just the two of us.")



I don't know that I'd ever attempt to cross the border without having a specific destination. Too fishy and I can't make up stories. But then again, it's too far away for me to reasonably make a day trip out of it, so I'm not going to Canada without spending a night there anytime soon regardless.

[1995hoo]

The best answer I ever gave at Customs was entering the UK at Heathrow on 6 September 2003. I had flown in from JFK and was flying back the following afternoon. The lady asked how long I'd be in the country and I said, "Until tomorrow afternoon." Then she asked, "What is the purpose of your journey?" I grinned enormously and said, "To fly home on Concorde!" Her eyes flew wide open and in this classic British accent, full of envy, she said, "Lucky YOU!!!!!" and stamped my passport. Fastest immigration control I've ever experienced and by far the most fun. The answer was completely accurate; I just figured I'd spend the weekend in London since I'd flown over.

That picture in my avatar was taken the following afternoon. I'm in seat 20D.

[Brandon]

I wouldn't choose that approach because it would encourage them to wonder why you were over-volunteering information.  Excessive volubility is often seen as a sign of a guilty mind, as is quick resort to an obviously prefabricated narrative which relies on specialized knowledge or is not immediately checkable as objective fact.

This is true- I'd only volunteer that information if asked.

The worst I've ever been searched driving into Canada (I had to get out of my car, go into a secondary room, and empty my pockets while my car was being searched) was when I just spilled every little piece of information without them asking. In retrospect, it sounded really prefabricated (even though in that instance I actually had a destination and was being honest!), so I agree with that.

I usually travel alone, and the majority of times I have crossed the border I have been alone, and I have never once been asked why I am alone.  Travel is an intense experience that can make or break friendships, so it is perfectly normal for some people to prefer to travel by themselves, even as tourists.

It may be tougher at a younger age. The border partrol seems to be under the impression that there aren't many 18-22 year olds that take daytrips across international boundaries by themselves for legitimate reasons.

In Windsor or Sarnia, just answer "Niagara" as a destination.  Usually you'll get welcomed like a cherished guest.

[Duke87]

/pictures or it didn't happen


This was after peak, though. My car tops out at 110.

[agentsteel53]

This was after peak, though. My car tops out at 110.

somewhere I have a photo of my rental car (2011 Honda Civic) doing 139.  down a 7% hill.

I'll beat that when I am in Europe in about a month - hoping to get up to 260-270 km/h on the autobahn.

[JREwing78]

Fastest I've ever gone in a car is about 120 mph. This was in an '84 Crown Vic with an 85mph speedometer; I had to gauge my speed on the time between each one-mile spaced crossroad. It took about 3-4 miles to build up a sufficient head of steam. This was on a very flat, open 2-lane road in southern Michigan when I was in my teens.

I had a couple cars governed to 106 mph; those were ridiculously easy to hit. I suspect my Cobalt is similarly limited, but I haven't found a suitable area to try it; most open 2-lanes in my area are not flat or straight for long enough.

[M86]

Fastest I've ever gone is between 115 & 120 mph on US 281 between Frederick, SD and the ND border... Light traffic, no hills, and no curves.

[OCGuy81]

I think the fastest I've ever gone was about 100 heading on the 15 to Vegas.  Second place would be about 95 on the 5 north of the 99 split in that long stretch between LA and the 580 split.

I'm timid compared to you guys! Wow!

[formulanone]

/pictures or it didn't happen

Heh, no modern pics, but somewhere in my video tape collection, there's video of me driving at extra-legal speeds on a highway at night. Thank goodness YouTube's invention was over a decade away.

[DeaconG]

Fastest I've ever gone was 145 twice; once in a '87 Mustang GT in NW Florida and once in my current car on I-95 pulling away from some idiot that insisted on riding my rear bumper at 85...so I left him.

[oscar]

I topped out in my old BMW at 130mph (governor-limited) on a long flat straightaway on US 50 in Nevada.  Nobody on the road for miles ahead of or behind me, land completely empty on both sides, and Top Gun flight training controlled that airspace so "bears in the air" weren't an issue either.

[agentsteel53]

I topped out in my old BMW at 130mph (governor-limited) on a long flat straightaway on US 50 in Nevada.  Nobody on the road for miles ahead of or behind me, land completely empty on both sides, and Top Gun flight training controlled that airspace so "bears in the air" weren't an issue either.

how far does police radar work, anyway?  I figure in the desert haze I can spot a police car (similar color as the background, lights off) maybe a mile away.  if it had its lights on, easily 10-15 miles...

[OCGuy81]

Always wanted to drive the stretch of I-80 west of Salt Lake City, UT.  Looking on a map, it's straight as an arrow and I imagine you can really open it up.  I-94 in North Dakota looks to be the same way too.

[agentsteel53]

Always wanted to drive the stretch of I-80 west of Salt Lake City, UT.  Looking on a map, it's straight as an arrow and I imagine you can really open it up.  I-94 in North Dakota looks to be the same way too.

rural two-laners tend to be less heavily patrolled.  I once took Utah state highway 21 about 83 miles in 47 minutes.