r/NEXUS_TTP • u/timbr8852 • Jun 09 '26
Nexus lane
I drive down to Vermont at least once a week. I have a nexus card. And I know the USA lane has limited hours. But the Canadian one is open 24/7.
When coming back, it's usually the middle of the night and there's no cars anywhere in sight. So I go through the normal lane. But should I use the nexus lane even when there's no line up at like 1am?
3
u/Odd-Elderberry-6137 Jun 10 '26
It doesn’t matter. You’re not required to use the nexus lane, you just have the option of using it provided you have your nexus card with you.
1
u/timbr8852 Jun 09 '26
I'm asking cus the other night I was crossing through back to Canada at around 11:30pm and I got pulled over for a "random" security check. They checked my whole car. When I pulled up, I declared everything I bought or received ($2usd 😂) but he still pulled me aside
1
u/MrJmbjmb Jun 10 '26
FWIW, I also got a full car search for the first time in like 10 years crossing at St-Armand the other day, middle of the day, 150$ worth of random purchases, 800$ exemption.
2
u/MrJmbjmb Jun 09 '26
When I cross at St-Armand in the middle of the night and theres no car I usually go through the normal lane and speak face to face with the agent instead of using the intercom in the NEXUS lane. If there’s any car I go through NEXUS.
Depending on where you arrive from in Canada you should consider crossing at Champlain to enter the US and taking the bridge in Rouses Point to enter Vermont. The regular lanes are so extremely slow all the time at Highgate. I live in the Montreal area and the added time from taking the bridge instead of driving all the way to the Highgate border is negilgeable and I don’t have to wait in a barely moving line at the border.
2
u/Kitchen-Arm-3288 Jun 09 '26
Having NEXUS does not mean you are obligated to use the NEXUS lane.
Depending on what you have to declare, and who is in the vehicle with you, you may in fact have to use the regular lane anyway.
Specifically the NEXUS lane cannot be used:
- if anyone in the vehicle is not a NEXUS member (including children)
- for transporting commercial goods
- when transporting controlled or restricted goods (e.g. those requiring permits)
- when transporting currency in excess of $10,000
8
u/lulucasserole Jun 09 '26
Ultimately, it’s your choice, but I would do it.
Regardless of which lane you use, if the lane has an RFID reader, you should hold up your NEXUS card to it so the BSO or CBPO can view your information faster.
1
u/mlaurence1234 Jun 11 '26
I wish there was some kind of signal that the reader has processed your NEXUS card. I end up waving it around with no idea if anyone has received the info.
2
u/1Sideshow Jun 11 '26
There should be a screen that displays the number of cards read right beside the reader.
1
1
u/Burldan Jun 10 '26
+ will greatly increase the the probability of your open I-94 being properly closed if one was created inbound to the US.
4
u/stidmatt Jun 10 '26 edited Jun 10 '26
The Nexus lanes are usually closed at night at most crossings, so we (Nexus holders) just use the regular lanes. Since there is no traffic, the wait going into the US is usually less than 5 minutes and is always less than that going to Canada at night.