How long can a bike stay in Canada?
 

Hi there,

Hopefully it's not necessary but in case i need it, i like to know or any of you knows how long can i leave my bike in Canada if i'm not here. And do i need to report that to customs or get papers for that?

Thanks mates!
Bossit. :-)

Hello Bossit:

In theory (in other words, if you wish to follow the exact intent of the rules), the vehicle can only stay in Canada as long as you are using it for the purpose of bona fide tourism. There is no explicit time limit, the general idea is that as long as you are (legally) in the country using the vehicle yourself, it is permitted. You are expected to take the vehicle out of the country when you leave.

In practice, Canada does not monitor the length of time that out-of-country vehicles are kept in the country.

What you need to be concerned about, if you plan to leave the vehicle in the country while you are absent from the country, is that no-one else uses it.

The police who look after traffic matters (whether federal, provincial, or community police) have no interest in matters relating to importation of vehicles. In other words, if you are stopped, as long as your papers show that you are a bona fide tourist - in other words, you are riding a foreign registered bike using a driver licence from the same country as the bike is registered in, the motorcycle registration and the driver licence show the same name, and you (the person) are legally in the country - they will show no further interest in you.

Be aware that it is obligatory to have insurance when operating a vehicle in Canada, and the penalties for operating a vehicle without insurance are very severe. Whatever you do, do not operate the bike without insurance.

If you plan to leave the bike in Canada and go home for a while, do not mention that to Customs when you first import the bike.

Michael

There is a form (forget the number) that you can get from customs that lets you apply to leave a vehicle for up to 12 months while you leave Canada. May have to post a small refunded bond

Hey,

Thanks guys, but luckily i don't need it as i got my extension to stay anyway!

Bossit. :-)