American driving Canadian car into the states

[warmsummerrain69]

Can an american drive into the US with a canadian car? Should I be on the insurance? Will it be a problem that I have a canadian license? I do not wish to import the car at this time. I want to drive home for awhile but what do I need to drive the car into the country? I should mention its still under a lease, will this be a problem? Thank you so much for your help.

[Reba]

what is your status in Canada, and is your name on the ownership of the ownership of the car?

[warmsummerrain69]

Sorry I was a bit vague. I have a visitors status. No my name is not on the ownership. The owner is my common law spouse. I would like to travel to Florida and I would be alone. The car is not paid off as of yet, however, we are thinking of paying it off early as it will be paid off in January anyway. Do we have to pay it off in order for me to drive to the states? Should I be on the insurance? As well I have an Ontario drivers lisence, will that be a problem?

[Reba]

You will definitely need to be on the insurance I would think, otherwise if you get into an accident, her insurance co. may not cover expenses and whatnot.

Are you planning on staying in Florida, or importing the car? Are you returning to Canada? Where do you intend to live permanently? If you're just a visitor in Canada, I hardly doubt you're actually "common-law" yet, as visitors are only legally allowed to stay 6 months, and to be legally considered common-law you have to live together as partners for one year. How'd you get an Ontario driver's license if you are only a visitor? Have you applied for LPR?

[Steven]

If it's leased you can't import it because you don't own it, that's your real problem. Your spouse doesn't own it, the company that leased it owns it. Technically because you're a US resident you should formally import it, I doubt CBP will care much if you have an Ontario DL (and how did you get one as a visitor, didn't think you could without a PR card or proof of citizenship). But if you don't formally import it, insurance and so on will be very difficult if not impossible.

[Reba]

I don't think he's intending to import it though, he's just going to FLA for a visit, according to his original post.

[Steven]

I'm not sure I understand his original post but I got the impression he was an American visiting Canada. That's where it gets complicated because CBP might consider it an import. Like I said, with an Ontario DL though I doubt they'd pick up on it.

[Reba]

That's why I asked for clarification about his intentions and status in Canada. His first post said he doesn't intend to import the car, he's only going to Florida to visit.