DETROIT — It looks to be business as usual at several U.S.-Canada border crossings, despite a new rule kicking in today that requires anyone entering the U.S. to show an accepted form of identification.

As of last night, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), stopped accepting oral declarations of citizenship to cross into the U.S. There were concerns that the change would slow up southbound traffic at busy border crossings.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Ambassador Bridge had a 5-minute wait for cars entering the United States from Windsor at 7 a.m this morning.
Truck and car traffic at the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron were also flowing normally.

Experts suggest the borders are operating normally because most border crossers already show proof of identification.

The rules require U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older to present documentation from a specified list of acceptable documents when entering the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry.

The most common examples include birth certificates, passports, and driver’s licences. A complete list of acceptable documents is available on the CBP website.

The rules get tougher for travelers in June 2009. At that point, only a passport or related document — such as a FAST card for truckers — will be accepted.

UPDATE: Well, maybe there’s a reason why the 49th parallel’s been quiet. Canadian Press now reports that U.S. border officials, bowing to pressure from some American politicians, will not be turning away Canadians without ID until at least June 2009.

“What we will do is briefly explain to them that they’re not in
compliance,” said Kevin Corsaro, a supervisory officer in the Buffalo,
N.Y., field office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Corsaro said such travelers will be given an educational flyer instead of being turned away. “This is an educational process,” said Corsaro. “We will not refuse a Canadian citizen entry into this country … if their only violation is that they do not have proof of citizenship.”