The Performance Information Systems Management (PRISM) program is a cooperative Federal-State safety program developed to reduce commercial vehicle accidents. PRISM utilizes the commercial vehicle registration process of the States to improve motor carrier safety in two ways:

1. By determining the safety fitness of the motor carrier prior to issuing license plates; and,
2. By motivating the carrier to improve its safety performance either through an improvement process or the application of registration sanctions.

The PRISM program encompasses two major processes Registration and Enforcement, which are integrated to identify motor carriers and hold them responsible for the safety of their operations. The performance of unsafe carriers is improved through a comprehensive system of identifications, education, data gathering, safety monitoring, and treatment.

Federal discretionary grant funds are available to States that have received Initial PRISM briefing and have given their intentions to implement the program in a "Letter of Intent" addressed to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) State Division Administration.

Contact your field office to answer your questions and to provide you with guidance concerning the PRISM grant program.