The State of Illinois participates in the truck PrePass program, which allows transponder-equipped commercial vehicles to bypass weigh stations, port-of-entry facilities, and agricultural interdiction facilities. The PrePass program pre-screens commercial vehicle credentials and drivers’ safety records. Pre-screened commercial vehicles are then allowed to bypass facilities through the use of an automatic vehicle identification (AVI) system. The commercial vehicles credentials are regularly verified with state and federal agencies to ensure commercial vehicles abide the bypass criteria established by the member states and adhere to safety standards.

The PrePass program offers participants, both commercial vehicle drivers and member states, many benefits. Commercial vehicles bypassing facilities save drivers’ time, fuel, and operating costs. It also reduces congestion around facilities and allows law enforcement officials to focus on noncompliant commercial vehicles. The PrePass program also has the potential to make areas around facilities safer for drivers through fewer vehicle weaving movements and merging points. Commercial carriers that participate in the program pay system deployment and maintenance costs through monthly fees. The program is provided at no cost to the state and without a long-term commitment.

The State of Illinois currently operates six weigh and motion (WIM) stations in the CMAP region. The WIM stations are located in the southern part of the region on I-55, I-80, and I-57. It is estimated that the PrePass program has saved 516,250 driving hours, 2.4 million gallons of fuel, and reduced carbon monoxide emissions by 5,472 metric tons since the programs deployment.