Chapter 10-2 IRP - PRISM What is PRISM The Performance and Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM) program was developed to meet the challenge of reducing the number of commercial vehicle crashes of a rapidly expanding interstate carrier population. It has increased the efficiency and effectiveness of federal and state safety efforts through a more accurate process for targeting the highest-risk carriers, which allows for a more efficient allocation of scarce resources for compliance reviews and roadside inspections. PRISM links the commercial vehicle registration process to motor carrier safety to achieve two purposes: 1. Determine the safety fitness of the motor carrier prior to issuing license plates. 2. Influence the carrier to improve its safety performance through an improvement process and, where necessary, the application of registration sanctions. Registration The International Registration Plan (IRP) commercial vehicle registration process of the states provides the framework for the PRISM program. It establishes a system of accountability by ensuring that no vehicle is plated without identifying the carrier responsible for the safety of the vehicle during the registration. The vehicle registration process ensures that all carriers engaged in interstate commerce are uniquely identified through a USDOT number when they register their vehicles. This establishes the Motor Carrier Responsible for Safety (MCRS). Starting in the 2010 renewal period, the Massachusetts RMV will be collecting and validating USDOT numbers. Beginning in the 2011 renewal period, the safety fitness of each carrier will be checked prior to issuing vehicle registrations. Those motor carriers that have been prohibited from operating in interstate commerce by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration may have their ability to register vehicles denied by the State. This collection of updated information will improve the census and operational data on interstate motor carriers nation-wide. Here are the links to the RMV PRISM program with information on registration. 10:8 02/10https://secure.rmv.state.ma.us/KTA/Public/Intro.aspx