PrePass
PrePass is an intelligent transportation system (ITS) service that electronically verifies the safety, credentials, and weight of commercial vehicles at participating state highway weigh stations. Because they comply electronically, commercial carriers enrolled in PrePass are authorized to bypass these facilities rather than pull in for manual inspection.
PrePass is available to motor carriers at nearly 300 facilities in 30 states.
Technology and functionality
The only equipment required for a truck to participate in PrePass is a vehicle-specific transponder, mounted on the interior windshield with double-sided tape or dual-lock strips. These devices are similar to the transponders used for electronic toll collection. As a PrePass vehicle approaches an equipped facility, an electronic "reader" on a boom over the freeway interrogates the transponder. Information associated with the transponder is then validated against state-required safety and credentials requirements. Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) technology is also used at many locations to verify the truck’s configuration and ensure its axle and gross vehicle weight are within acceptable limits.
As the truck passes beneath another electronic “reader” nearer the inspection point, the in-cab transponder receives a signal indicating whether the vehicle is authorized to bypass. If the vehicle’s credentials, safety, and weight data are all in order, a green light advises the driver to bypass the facility. If the vehicle is required to pull-in for inspection, a red light alerts the driver to stop for processing, just as trucks without PrePass do.
Only motor carriers that provide valid operating credentials and have an acceptable safety history are allowed to participate in PrePass.
Enrollment qualifications
To enroll in PrePass, a carrier must submit an application and provide copies of certain standard operating credentials (e.g. Vehicle Registration Cards, IFTA License, etc.). Customers pay for system costs through monthly service fees that allow them an unlimited number of bypasses. There are no charges for the PrePass transponders, no application or enrollment fees, and no long-term contracts.
Additional services
PrePass Plus
A service that utilizes a “fusion” transponder to allow vehicles to pay toll fees electronically at E-ZPass facilities, in addition to bypassing PrePass facilities.
PrePass Ag (formerly AgPass)
Enables participating, qualified carriers to bypass Agricultural Interdiction Facilities throughout the state of Florida. Provided through a partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).