Driving Canadian (Ontario) License Plated car in USA ?

CaptainFA
New Member



Joined: 03 May 2008
Posts: 1
Location: Kentuck

Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 10:24 am

 

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Hello,

I am a Canadian citizen and recently moved to USA and got my Permanent Residence. I have a car financed in Canada. I am planning to bring my car with me in Kentucky, USA. Financial company wants me to pay in full before I can register my car in USA. Kentucky law states same that the car must be paid in full in Canada before registering in KY, USA, which is not an option for me. I still owe around $ 20 K

I already have KY, USA drivers license and have contacted insurance company. Insurance company can give me insurance, they don't care where is the vehicle registered.

I am not planning to live here permanently, maybe 1 or 2 years.

IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE CAR WITH CANADIAN REGISTRATION, US DRIVERS LICENSE AND INSURANCE ?

If not then what are my options ? Because Canadian Insurance don't cover for living in US, but do cover for visit.

Thanks.
FA

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 496
Location: Calgary

Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 8:28 pm

 

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Impossible to say because it depends on the insurance company really. Also it depends on what State law says, if you actually reside in Kentucky then you need the car to have a Kentucky title and registration.

Your real problem is tax, because an Ontario registration is a residential tie for Canadian income tax purposes, and under US law if you have permanent residency your tax home automatically becomes the US. This makes you subject to dual taxation and there's no way around it if you're a green card holder.

I know it's difficult, but the best bet in this situation is to see if you can get a bank loan and pay off the car financing so you get the title transferred to Kentucky, then you pay back the bank loan.
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Steve.

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ken
New Member



Joined: 24 Sep 2007
Posts: 6
Location: Illinois

Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 11:58 am

 

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Don't know about Kentucky, but Illinois law requires you change your plates to Illinois plates within 6 months of residing in the state.

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fotekp
New Member



Joined: 06 May 2008
Posts: 5

Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 5:51 am

 

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changing plates is one thing but what about having to pay the duty. I've been driving my canadian car in Michigan for 3 years and now in Florida for one and will do so until my car dies.

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 496
Location: Calgary

Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 9:33 pm

 

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There is no duty, the vehicle is part of your personal effects. Anyone who tells you there is duty is wrong, been many people on here who've said they've been asked to pay duty, there isn't any provided you've had the car for at least a year prior to moving to the US. Even if you've had the car for less than a year and CBP decide to be sticklers about enforcing the rules, if the car was manufactured in North America it's exempt from duty under NAFTA.

Quote HTSUSA 9804.00.35 vehicle imported as personal effects if the CBP say otherwise.
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Steve.

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