They can. A lot of that depends on if you look suspicious. My friends had their car searched because one of them did not have a passport or birth certificate. SO make sure to have proper documentation. I also suspect they search vehicles randomly as well to discourage drug and weapon trafficking.

Do you plan on bringing illegal items into either country? If not, why are you so concerned, let the customs officials do their job.

My husband, two sons and I crossed over two years ago and yes, our car was searched, plus they asked us several questions, such as why were you in Canada, what is your job in the US and if we purchased anything while in Canada.

Probably not a good idea to wear that "I Smoke Pot" T-Shirt while crossing the border.

I have been across the border a few times and only one time were we searched and thats when we were in an RV and on our way to Alaska. All the other times were by car and they didn't search just asked a few questions and sent us on our way.

It depends on what state you are about to cross into, what your answers are to the standard questions and whether or not you are acting suspiciously. I do not suggest acting like an ass either, as it is the customs official's choice whether to give you a hard time or not. Also, some searches are simply by random. Some border stations have a daily quota of searches that must be done to satisfy offices in washington.

Your licence plate automaticly read by a electronic eye and a computer monitor in the officers cubical displays your reg address, name of car owner, make and so on. After that here comes the questions. Mostly so that the guard has time to look into your car, make an evaluation of yourself, other people in the car, smell for booze drugs, and most of all your reactions to his or her questions. Border guards have training in body language. and sike. If you have to ask the question should you be going????

Just be sure you don't have one of those HONK IF YOU LOVE TO SMOKE POT bumper stickers on your car. Somehow, I'm sure you'd be singled out and searched for sure. ; )

It is true, they randomly search vehicles,to test this theory I crossed the border this past weekend to take my aunt back to Whitefish, Montana(then she wouldn't have to take the bus back), and with my sweet little Aunt and sister, they looked in our car, trunk, pretty well everything. But all was good and they sent us on our way.

I often cross the border, for shopping or visiting, as I live minutes away... Yes, it is possible that they will search your car. It is random who they choose to search, and who they don't. I have crossed a lot, and only been searched once.

They can if they have grounds its a touchy subject now dont risk it. a dope dealer just got off with 40 kilos of dope in the car. judge said no search warrant. best not to risk it.

This is coming from somone who crosess into Canada and back monthly from New York to Niagara Falls, Canada and back a camera which is viable will take a pic of your lisence and they find out if the car has been into canada when and all that jaz. Then they will sometimes ask based on the officer ask you for id not passports as of yet but id then they will look at it and do something on the computer now I don't know what they do but its involving your ID any customs officers here please answer what you do when you take our ids and go on the computer. They willa sk you your cisitizenship, where you are going, why and if you are brgining anything if they see suspicsion they take your lisence and give you a slip you then over to the buling on the side where based on the officers reasoning will search you or your car. They may at the booth do a simple check of your truck but that is normal. Also to all you customs officers here don't exect to take aapart my car or the car I am in and leave it there or uless I see a written law that says you don't have to put the car back together I will call the cops and I will file charges. That is horrible that you can do that.