The Performance and Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM) FY 2009

BACKGROUND: The PRISM program enables States to link Federal motor carrier safety information systems with State commercial vehicle registration and licensing systems. The program is designed to enable a State to determine if a motor carrier or registrant has been ordered to cease interstate operations by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) when that carrier or registrant applies for or renews interstate license plates, or while the registration is in effect. Participating State vehicle registration agencies also assist in enforcement of the motor carrier biennial data by updating registrations required by Section 217 of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (MCSIA).Section 31106(b) of title 49, United States Code, directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to States: To establish and maintain a clearinghouse and repository of information related to State registration and licensing of commercial motor vehicles, the registrants of such vehicles, and the motor carriers operating such vehicles. The clearinghouse and repository may include information on the safety fitness of each of the motor carriers and registrants and other information the Secretary considers appropriate, including information about motor carriers, commercial motor vehicles, and driver safety performance.