PRISM is a federal and state partnership developed to reduce commercial motor vehicle accidents. PRISM identifies motor carriers with poor safety records and holds the carriers responsible for the safety of their operations.

PRISM links the motor carrier safety information of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) with state motor vehicle registration processes to determine the safety and fitness of motor carriers.

The MCSIP assesses and monitors carrier safety performance. Assessment is based on current safety event information that includes accidents, inspections, driver violations, and compliance review data. Safety events are assigned to the motor carrier responsible for the safety of the vehicle and are weighted according to severity, frequency, and time since the occurrence.

A motor carrier enters the MCSIP if the carrier exceeds an established safety event threshold. The MCSIP provides opportunities for carriers to improve operations and return to safe conditions. Carriers with possible safety problems are identified and prioritized for an on-site review using the Motor Carrier Safety Status (SafeStat) system. Motor carriers must improve their safety problems or face more serious penalties.

If the safety fitness record of the carrier does not improve, the carrier could face a federal out-of-service order, a state vehicle registration suspension and/or revocation, or a lesser charge.

A carrier can be released from the MCSIP based on a demonstrated improvement in safety performance.

Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for more information about PRISM and to apply for a USDOT number.

The International Registration Plan (IRP) registration process identifies the USDOT number of the carrier responsible for the safety of a vehicle during the registration year. The safety fitness of the carrier is checked before IRP issues a registration. IRP can deny carriers that are "unfit" (as defined by federal procedures) the privilege to register their vehicles.

The DMV can deny registration to a carrier that is prohibited from interstate commerce operations by the FMCSA. All IRP applicants in New York State must report a USDOT number to the International Registration Bureau. The USDOT number identifies the motor carrier responsible for the safety of each vehicle in an IRP fleet. Carriers must keep their information current and accurate through MCS-150 updates on the FMCSA website. When you renew an IRP fleet, you must complete and submit an MCS-150 update. You are not required to submit an MCS-150 update if you already provided an update within the 12 months prior to the registration renewal period.

If you need assistance with an MCS-150 update, contact IRB at the phone number below or FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660. IRP registration applicants must provide a Taxpayer Identification Number, such as Federal Employer Identification Number or a Social Security Number, to validate their USDOT number.