The North American Preclearance and Safety System, or NORPASS, is a partnership of state and provincial agencies and trucking industry representatives who are committed to promoting safe and efficient trucking throughout North America. The NORPASS partners work together to deploy mainline screening systems at weigh stations, thus allowing safe and legal trucks to proceed unimpeded while enforcement resources are focused on high-risk motor carriers.
How does it work?
Each trucker who registers his/her vehicle to participate in NORPASS receives a small transponder to mount on the windshield (or if the trucker already has a compatible transponder, he/she may enroll it at no cost). As the truck approaches a NORPASS weigh station, a roadside reader detects the transponder and a computer in the scale house checks the credentials. Some stations are also equipped with weigh-in-motion equipment. If everything passes, a signal is sent back to the truck and the transponder gives a green light indicating that the driver may bypass the weigh station. If a problem is detected with the truck, the transponder returns a red signal, indicating that the driver must pull in. The system also samples randomly so any participating trucker can expect to receive an occasional red light.
Where does NORPASS work?
There are currently nine member states/provinces (Alaska, British Columbia, Connecticut, Idaho, Kentucky, New York, Quebec, South Dakota, Washington) and two partner states (North Carolina, Oregon), all offering open/interoperable weigh station bypassing. In addition, NORPASS transponders can be used for toll bypassing on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington. To view the latest information regarding coverage, see the coverage page.
How much does NORPASS cost?
There are no fees for participating in NORPASS member states. This means no annual fees; no fees for green lights; no fees ever! However, the truck must have a transponder which will work in the system. These cost roughly US$45 and can be purchased directly through NORPASS. Furthermore, members must keep their IRP registration information updated with NORPASS or risk losing bypass capability.
How much does NORPASS save?
Based on an October 2007 FMCSA study (Economic Analysis and Business Case for Motor Carrier Industry Support of CVISN), approximately US$8.68 are saved per bypass. Systemwide, NORPASS provides roughly 3 million bypasses each year. As a result NORPASS saves the trucking industry roughly US$26 million per year.
Who sees the information collected at the weigh station and how is it used?
NORPASS is designed to improve the efficiency and safety of motor carrier operations, not to act as a data collection and distribution system. NORPASS member states agree to use the information collected by NORPASS solely for the purpose of determining each truck's bypass status.
Can I use a NORPASS transponder in other states or bypass systems?
Yes. Your NORPASS transponder will work in all NORPASS states, and is fully compatible with NCPass and PrePass.
For NCPass special discount pricing information click here.
How can I save on tolling also?
For customers interested in toll discounts, we recommend the BestPass (www.bestpass.com) transponder which is compatible with several toll collection systems (including E-ZPass), as well as NORPASS, for weigh station bypassing. If you already have a BestPass transponder, you can simply apply to have NORPASS added to it so you do not have to purchase a new transponder.
I'm ready. How can I join?
You can apply online, by mail, or by fax. For more information, see the apply page.
Can I listen to NORPASS' 16 September 2009 live call in show on 700WLW?
Yes. You may download it here (right-click and choose Save Link As...) or click this button to play it in the browser:
