FHWA Seeks Comments on ITS

The Federal Highway Administration is soliciting public comment on its plan to mandate use of dedicated short-range communications technology as a provisional standard for certain projects.

The rule would cover intelligent transportation systems commercial vehicle projects that use federal highway trust funds. Known as the “sandwich protocol,” it would apply to new or updated equipment obtained for electronic clearance systems after Jan. 1, 2001.

In DSRC systems, truck-mounted transponders send vehicle information to roadside receiving stations. This allows authorities to instantly screen the vehicle for safety and regulatory compliance and credentialing at weigh stations, ports of entry and international border crossings.

The FHWA published its proposal in the Dec. 30 issue of the Federal Register. The deadline for receipt of comments is Feb. 28.