Canada Border Crossing

[DOCSGMRS]

I’m planning a trip to AK via ALCAN Hwy.  I have a RV with an installed GMSR.  I understand the rules for broadcasting on GMRS in Canada.  I know I can’t operate that radio in Canada.  I have handheld CI approved radios to use while in Canada.

I need a reference or source clarify crossing the Canadian border.  Will I need to remove the installed radio from my RV as a condition for entering Canada?  The websites I’ve reviewed address broadcasting, frequencies, power limits, and Canadian FCC equipment approval … Nothing referring to crossing the border.  Any insight would help?

[JLeikhim]

Are you entering and departing from same point?

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[kidphc]

From my reading of the law. You can't even have it in the car/truck. Due to the fact some of those frequencies are used by their lmr and public services.

I am ham. They really don't question my gear my ham gear. I do have an sd card for my FTM400 that has all the gmrs frequencies removed to avoid any temptations

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[Lscott]

I’ve also never had issues going to Canada with my Ham gear. At most the US customs were the ones asking questions.

If the radio has Industry Canada certification you shouldn’t have a problem. 
 

One other thing, out on the western provinces they have radio resource roads where you need a VHF radio to safely drive on them. I’m not aware of anything like that in the US.

https://radiofreeq.wordpress.com/2018/08/30/canada-vhf-ladd-channel-list/

[DOCSGMRS]

Most likely, we will be going in and out the same entry point.  Indeed, you can not broadcast on particular frequencies and above certain power ratings.  The broadcasting is the prohibited act, not the possession of the hardware from what I’ve read.  I have no need to use it, so I’m probably just going to pull the main transmitter (it’s a Midland Micromobile) and avoid the situation.  I’d like to have the option of using it in Alaska but that’s minor.  I plan to call the entry point and discuss it with an officer.

[JLeikhim]

Most likely, we will be going in and out the same entry point.  Indeed, you can not broadcast on particular frequencies and above certain power ratings.  The broadcasting is the prohibited act, not the possession of the hardware from what I’ve read.  I have no need to use it, so I’m probably just going to pull the main transmitter (it’s a Midland Micromobile) and avoid the situation.  I’d like to have the option of using it in Alaska but that’s minor.  I plan to call the entry point and discuss it with an officer.

It would be best to contact the entry point.

If you were for example entering Canada at one location, then exiting in Alaska, you might have a valid argument that you are simply transporting it. Honestly, If you had it disconnected and stowed away I see no reason they shoud be concerned. That said a lot of US citizens are not trustworthy in the eyes of the Canadian authorities.

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[DOCSGMRS]

I’m going to Alaska via Canada … I’ll enter and exit via the same entry point.  As I said, I’d like the option to use it in Alaska, but it’s not imperative.  I will call and find out what I can.

On 10/27/2021 at 8:45 AM, JLeikhim said:

It would be best to contact the entry point.

If you were for example entering Canada at one location, then exiting in Alaska, you might have a valid argument that you are simply transporting it. Honestly, If you had it disconnected and stowed away I see no reason they shoud be concerned. That said a lot of US citizens are not trustworthy in the eyes of the Canadian authorities.

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[Robogrip]

An old topic: What did you do and how did it go ? I also have a GMRS installed in my truck, and have a ski trip to the BC mountains that will have me leaving back to Montana from a different crossing than I entered. I want to use the GMRS during the US portion of my ski journey and am curious what you learned during your trip.

[kidphc]

Gone to Toronto multiple times. Truck looks like a porcupine.

Never questioned, never asked by either Canadian or US border patrol. I do carry all my FCC paperwork with me (amateur technician). Pretty sure now I mention it I will be stopped next time.

Also my gmrs radio in the truck is an xtl5000, which is usually tuned into local p25 amateur repeaters.

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[Lscott]

I’ve been across the border in the Detroit are a few times. I’ve mostly been questioned by the US customs than anyone on the Canadian side.

One thing I wouldn’t think about doing is crossing the border with Mexico with a two way radio. The Mexican customs might think you’re cartel and the cartel might think you’re undercover police. Either way you might get shot.

[H8SPVMT]

Why would cartel use GMRS frequencies that could be listened to around the globe?  I doubt they want to expose their dealing with outsiders. JMO

[kidphc]

Why would cartel use GMRS frequencies that could be listened to around the globe?  I doubt they want to expose their dealing with outsiders. JMO

Think its because the average person sees extra antennas, it's got to be the police/military.

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[Lscott]

5 hours ago, kidphc said:

Think its because the average person sees extra antennas, it's got to be the police/military.

I remember parking my van at a 7/11 to go inside for some stuff right after the attack on the World Trade Center. I had a bunch of rather weird looking antennas on the top. I had a lot of people staring at me and the van. Maybe if I had been wearing a black suit and sun glasses it would have been even better.