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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> Videotaping while crossing border into USA, legal?
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06/29/2012 04:02:32 PM · #1
If I had my GoPro suction-cupped to the inside of my car's windshield while crossing into the USA, would the guard tazer me and send my family to Gitmo?

I'm thinking about doing a time-lapse of my drive from Ontario to New York tomorrow.

An actual video, with sound, of my crossing back into Canada would be more interesting, as they're always desperate to tax us.

They're probably taping me, so, tit for tat?

Message edited by author 2012-06-29 16:03:28.
06/29/2012 04:07:23 PM · #2
I wouldn't give those ego tripping guards any excuse to flex their muscle.
I've had so many run ins with them to know common sense and intelligence isn't appreciated at border crossings. It was especially fun when I worked for LANL on the US nuclear program. I'd get turned away because [use best South Park voice here] "ye'rr takin' our jobs."

Message edited by author 2012-06-29 16:09:40.
06/29/2012 04:10:10 PM · #3
With your lawyer sitting next to you on the trip you'd probably be ok. Otherwise I'd echo it depends on the guard and his/her mood that day. I've crossed the border many times and it varies from nicest guy in the world to complete jerks.
06/29/2012 04:14:45 PM · #4
Yes it is illegal. They have all kinds of signs prohibiting any type of recording (but perhaps you could try sketching) as you approach the boarder.
06/29/2012 06:08:22 PM · #5
Originally posted by Strikeslip:

If I had my GoPro suction-cupped to the inside of my car's windshield while crossing into the USA, would the guard tazer me and send my family to Gitmo?

I'm thinking about doing a time-lapse of my drive from Ontario to New York tomorrow.

An actual video, with sound, of my crossing back into Canada would be more interesting, as they're always desperate to tax us.

They're probably taping me, so, tit for tat?


They definitely have video surveillance at the CBSA crossing, but I doubt that they have audio. That had been proposed for the airports but they nixed that idea.

Regarding entry into the USA, I have no idea, but I don't think I would do anything to get them upset... it truly is not worth it.

As for taxes, if you buy things in the USA they will probably cost you less so you will be taxed less when you cross the border, if they tax you at all...isn't that great.

Ray
06/29/2012 07:22:58 PM · #6
Don't worry about Gitmo. If you go there you get free prayer mats, Korans and you can study to be a lawyer in the US.
06/29/2012 08:05:03 PM · #7
Originally posted by RayEthier:

...As for taxes, if you buy things in the USA they will probably cost you less so you will be taxed less when you cross the border, if they tax you at all...isn't that great...

Oh yeah! Now that our limit will be $800 each we've got a couple of larger purchases to make. The wife is going to get a nice, sturdy wireless printer/scanner/copier. My daughter is going to get a nice, new compact camera for her birthday, and I'm going to get a ~35% price break on them. I'd like to get us right up to the $3,200 of goods coming back with us from the USA, just to say "stuff it" to Canadian retailers, but my bank account says no. But I'll spend as much as I can.

I guess I won't risk it with the video. One time I wasn't paying attention to a US border guard and advanced up to his booth when he'd signaled not to. He was pretty upset. I thought he was going to cry. :-(
06/29/2012 09:01:17 PM · #8
Border guards are a very, very, VERY prickly lot. I've only met one who had anything remotely resembling a sense of humour...oh yeah and that was on our side of the border. 99% of the American ones are fairly neutral and to the point, but there is one female at the border crossing closest to me who truly seems to have it in for me. Why, I have no idea, but she's the reason that I try to not go across early in the week.
06/29/2012 10:02:14 PM · #9
Hecks Bells, Strikeslip. I say go for it. What have you got to lose!
:)
06/29/2012 10:16:05 PM · #10
Originally posted by Venser:

I wouldn't give those ego tripping guards any excuse to flex their muscle.
I've had so many run ins with them to know common sense and intelligence isn't appreciated at border crossings. It was especially fun when I worked for LANL on the US nuclear program. I'd get turned away because [use best South Park voice here] "ye'rr takin' our jobs."


TOOK 'ERR JERBBBBBB!!!
06/30/2012 12:00:45 AM · #11
They actually stop people crossing the Canadian Border?
06/30/2012 12:09:28 AM · #12
Originally posted by kenskid:

They actually stop people crossing the Canadian Border?


Only if your a law abiding citizen. If your a criminal they let you right in regardless of the crime and grant you refugee status or political asylum. Just tell the Border Agent you face the death penalty if you are deported.
06/30/2012 07:04:51 AM · #13
Originally posted by sapper:

Originally posted by kenskid:

They actually stop people crossing the Canadian Border?


Only if your a law abiding citizen. If your a criminal they let you right in regardless of the crime and grant you refugee status or political asylum. Just tell the Border Agent you face the death penalty if you are deported.


Really now...what about the war criminals that were recently deported back to their native countries. The CBSA also has the option of NOT letting you in the country and if someone does manage to sneak in and are caught, the "Death Penalty" argument is NOT a free pass, there are procedures to be adhered to. Also, if the country of return agrees to say "Life in jail", guess what happens then.

Truly not as simple as you make it out to be.

Ray
06/30/2012 07:09:52 AM · #14
Originally posted by Strikeslip:

Originally posted by RayEthier:

...As for taxes, if you buy things in the USA they will probably cost you less so you will be taxed less when you cross the border, if they tax you at all...isn't that great...

Oh yeah! Now that our limit will be $800 each we've got a couple of larger purchases to make. The wife is going to get a nice, sturdy wireless printer/scanner/copier. My daughter is going to get a nice, new compact camera for her birthday, and I'm going to get a ~35% price break on them. I'd like to get us right up to the $3,200 of goods coming back with us from the USA, just to say "stuff it" to Canadian retailers, but my bank account says no. But I'll spend as much as I can.

I guess I won't risk it with the video. One time I wasn't paying attention to a US border guard and advanced up to his booth when he'd signaled not to. He was pretty upset. I thought he was going to cry. :-(


I guess you missed my point... if it costs less in the USA you pay less taxes when you come back.

I went yesterday, and the savings were substantial and subsequently paid a lot less in taxes.

Mind you, I have the advantage of living real close to the border and can visit every week if I want.

Good luck shopping and have fun.

Ray
06/30/2012 08:26:48 AM · #15
A good neighbor friend of mine used to work land border. They are a prickly bunch for a reason. They constantly have to deal with scum smuggling drugs or worse across the border. If my job entailed dealing with what he describes, I'd be a dick too.

That said if you don't see any signs telling you what the expected activity is, then go ahead. But be polite and honest if they question you.
06/30/2012 11:25:13 AM · #16
It's a sad day when regular people are concerned about a basic government function :-(
06/30/2012 11:34:13 AM · #17
Originally posted by robs:

It's a sad day when regular people are concerned about a basic government function :-(


"Regular people" don't NEED to be concerned when crossing the border.
06/30/2012 12:30:14 PM · #18
Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by robs:

It's a sad day when regular people are concerned about a basic government function :-(


"Regular people" don't NEED to be concerned when crossing the border.


Slippy's not normal. ;P
06/30/2012 08:41:12 PM · #19
Originally posted by Kelli:

Slippy's not normal. ;P


Yup, that was implied in my post :-)
06/30/2012 08:44:00 PM · #20
Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by Kelli:

Slippy's not normal. ;P


Yup, that was implied in my post :-)

Fortunately for his hide, and those with him, Slippy knows this.
If he videotapes his border crossing and gets yelled at, you can (almost) be sure
he will have a backup videotaper videotaping the argument.
06/30/2012 09:12:30 PM · #21
Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by robs:

It's a sad day when regular people are concerned about a basic government function :-(


"Regular people" don't NEED to be concerned when crossing the border.


True, but that won't stop them from trying to trip you up and give them a reason to pull you over!! They ask all those stupid questions - I think I've even been asked my own eye colour - for a reason, to establish a baseline for what you look and sound like *normally* - then they casually ask you to pop the trunk. Or pull over the vehicle and put it in the lineup for the mobile xray truck. They're looking to see if you're suddenly going to change your behaviour patterns, which to them is a gigantic red flag.

Hey, btw Slippy...just in case you do get pulled over and hauled in? Ask if you take photos inside the border station. They just LOVE that!!!!! ;-)
07/01/2012 06:11:24 AM · #22
Not a big deal to me.

I went shopping with my daughter in the USA on Friday and on my way back this nice young lady asked the usual questions, gave me a yellow slip and told me to go inside and to bring my receipt.

I parked my car and two nice young men walked up to me and asked me to open the trunk, asked my daughter to step out of the car and they searched it while I went inside and paid the taxes due.

Was I inconvenienced... not in the least, and when I was done paying, they were done.

I really cannot condemn people because they did their job. I have no idea as to why they decided to search my car and truly don't care.

Ray
07/01/2012 09:12:16 AM · #23
Slippy, you can try it with the go pro, just don't post any video of the strip search when they nail you.
07/01/2012 09:25:07 AM · #24
Perhaps the trick is to cross illegally. The US government has announced they will no longer send officers to arrest anyone who is not suspected of a felony.

Or, more seriously, just do it. No drama no show. If they ask what you are doing, explain it like you did here. I'd they ask you to turn it off till you finish your crossing, at least appear to comply.

With just about every camera, and cell phone, in existence having video capability; they have probably been recorded thousands of times already.
07/01/2012 09:31:02 AM · #25
Just noticed that the trip should have been yesterday. No update, no video. No Slippy?
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