TORONTO, Ontario — The Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario sent out an alert on Wednesday warning dealers that apparently some of its members haven't been allowed to enter the U.S. from Canada if they have dealer plates on their vehicle. 

This denial has apparently arisen out of concern that some people are bypassing proper importation procedures as they bring in vehicles to the U.S. for sale. However, the UCDA stressed that it is working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection so that those who use dealer plates legitimately won't have any trouble crossing into the U.S.

"The UCDA has contacted U.S. Customs and Border Protection and they have advised that additional scrutiny is required in some cases to address concerns that vehicles are being brought into the U.S. to be sold without being properly imported," UCDA officials stressed.

"CBP advised that they will work with us to assist legitimate users of dealer plates arriving at the U.S. Border," they added.

UCDA urged dealers to always keep proof of vehicle and plate registration and proof of insurance on hand when driving with a dealer plate. Not to mention, drivers and passengers need to remember to have the appropriate identification — be it a Passport, enhanced driver's license or Nexus card — whenever they prepare to enter the U.S.

Moreover, U.S. Customs told UCDA that dealers can present the following documentation if they have a dealer plate on a vehicle that is not going to be sold in the U.S.

—Auction Access Card

—Purchase orders

—Auction announcements

—Storage and towing receipts

—Pre-bid printouts

If a dealer is coming to the U.S. for private, non-commercial reasons, they are advised to bring "documentation relating to the U.S. destination." This would include:

—Airline tickets

—Tickets for attractions, sporting events or concerts

—Hotel reservations/vacation itinerary

—U.S. addresses of destination or venue

"These documents are not exhaustive and do not guarantee entry to the United States if U.S. Customs officers have other concerns," UCDA officials stressed. "However, having appropriate documentation such as listed above should reduce problems crossing the border."

If there are any problems or more information is needed, dealers can call Warren Barnard or Jim Hamilton at the UCDA Legal Department at (416) 231-2600 or (800) 268-2598.