The U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is making $30 million in state grants available through two annual programs, each designed to strengthen commercial vehicle safety by assisting states to modernize their technology infrastructure to more efficiently collect and disseminate real-time safety data to roadside inspectors and law enforcement personnel.
“Safety is our highest priority and we expect that truck and bus companies, and their drivers, are also focused on safety at all times,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Providing our state partners with the most effective tools for identifying unsafe trucks, buses, and commercial drivers in real time is an investment that pays dividends in preventing crashes and saving lives.”
The grant funding available to the states announced today are through the following two programs:
- Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN): Through the Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) program, up to $25 million will be awarded to improve technological capability and promote the deployment of intelligent transportation systems applications for commercial vehicle operations. The CVISN program focuses enforcement on high-risk operators, improves efficiency through electronic screening of commercial vehicles, and enables online application and issuance of Registration and Fuel Tax credentials.
- Performance Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM): Through the Performance Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM) program, $5 million will be awarded to further nationally integrate state commercial motor vehicle (CMV) registration and licensing systems. This technology enables states to determine the eligibility of a motor carrier or registrant at the time of licensing or registration of the company’s vehicles. The PRISM system automatically suspends or withholds ineligible commercial vehicle registration from one state to another.
In November 2014, FMCSA announced an additional funding opportunity to help states strengthen commercial vehicle safety through the Agency’s Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation (CDLPI) grants.
