Discover smarter toll management with PrePass
When it comes to navigating roadside inspections, every second counts. Fleet managers looking to keep trucks moving efficiently while staying compliant with federal regulations need to understand how the Inspection Selection System (ISS) score impacts their operation.
The ISS is based on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program’s Safety ManagementSystem (SMS) which assesses fleets in seven Behavioral Analysis Safety Improvement Categories. But what exactly goes into this score? And how can it affect your eligibility for weigh station bypass?
In this article, we’ll break down the ISS score, explain how the data is used, and explore how solutions from PrePass can help you leverage your score for smarter, safer fleet operations.
What is the ISS score and why it matters to your fleet.
At its core, the ISS score is a tool used by law enforcement and weigh station personnel to determine whether a commercial vehicle should be pulled in for inspection or allowed to bypass. Each state may add additional criteria in order to bypass.
The score ranges from 1 to 100 and is based on safety data collected by FMCSA. The higher the score, the greater the likelihood of inspection.
For fleet managers, this score directly influences operational efficiency. A better ISS score means fewer inspection stops, less idle time, and lower fuel costs.
Who assigns your ISS score?
The FMCSA, through its Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program, compiles data from roadside inspections, crash reports, and compliance audits.
That data is then funneled through the Safety Measurement System (SMS), which organizes it into seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs). Your performance across these categories feeds into your ISS score.
How ISS scores are calculated.
The FMCSA doesn’t publish the exact ISS scoring formula, but we know it draws heavily from the following:
- Crash indicator
- Controlled substances / alcohol
- Driver fitness
- Hours-of-service compliance
- Unsafe driving
- Vehicle maintenance
Each state may choose to add additional criteria in order to be eligible to bypass. The more frequent and severe the safety violations, the higher your ISS score will climb.
What does your ISS score mean for inspections?
The ISS score breaks down into three broad categories:
- Score 0–49: “Pass” – Not recommended for inspection
- Score 50–74: “Optional” – Inspection at officer’s discretion
- Score 75–100: “Inspect” – Recommended for inspection
Knowing where your fleet sits on this scale gives you a strategic advantage.
Why FMCSA uses the ISS score for bypass eligibility.
The FMCSA’s goal is to make the most efficient use of limited roadside enforcement resources. By prioritizing high-risk carriers for inspection, the ISS score supports safer highways.
This data-first approach ensures low-risk fleets aren’t delayed unnecessarily, rewarding those with strong safety records with bypass eligibility.
How your safety performance impacts your ISS score.
To improve or maintain a low ISS score, fleet managers need to pay close attention to the following:
- Driver behavior and hours-of-service compliance
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection readiness
- Accident frequency and severity
- Timely resolution of violations and citations
- Internal training and safety protocols
Every inspection, clean or otherwise, impacts your score. It’s a living, breathing reflection of your ongoing safety performance.
How bypass eligibility affects your bottom line.
Bypass eligibility isn’t just a convenience—it’s a cost-saving asset. Every successful bypass saves up to $10.65 in operational costs per stop, according to ATRI data.. That adds up quickly across a large fleet.
And with PrePass solutions, fleets can gain more consistent access to bypass opportunities, significantly reducing dwell times and keeping drivers on the road longer.
ISS score vs. CSA score: What’s the difference?
While related, these scores serve different purposes:
| Score Type | Purpose | Visibility |
| CSA Score | Measures safety performance | Publicly available |
| ISS Score | Used for inspection decisions | Not publicly available |
Your CSA score feeds into your ISS score, but only enforcement and bypass providers like PrePass have direct access to the latter.
How often is the ISS score updated?
The FMCSA updates ISS scores monthly, based on new data from inspections, crashes, and interventions.
This means your fleet’s performance today can impact bypass eligibility next month. Staying proactive is key.
How PrePass helps fleets manage their ISS score.
PrePass provides tools to monitor and improve the safety factors that influence your ISS score. These include:
- Vehicle inspection insights that you can use to train drivers or repair vehicle issues
- Bypass performance metrics to evaluation number of bypasses received
With these capabilities, PrePass enables fleets to stay ahead of the curve, not just compliant but competitive.
Common myths about ISS scores debunked.
Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:
- Myth: ISS score is only based on recent inspections
Truth: It reflects performance over a two-year rolling window.
- Myth: Good CSA scores guarantee bypasses
Truth: CSA helps, but ISS score and local state criteria is also included.
What fleet managers should focus on monthly.
To keep your ISS score in check:
- Review CSA scores and address violations
- Audit driver logs and hours-of-service (HOS) data
- Schedule regular maintenance checks
- Provide ongoing driver safety training
- Leverage PrePass analytics for insights
Routine, consistent action drives long-term ISS score improvements.
How data transparency is changing compliance.
As the industry shifts toward more data-informed enforcement, fleets that embrace transparency and proactive safety stand to gain the most.
PrePass is leading the charge, offering visibility into performance and providing the tools to take corrective action before problems arise.
Getting started with bypass solutions.
Improving your ISS score is just the beginning. To truly benefit, your fleet needs a seamless system for bypassing and toll management—that’s where PrePass comes in.
Explore PrePass toll management solutions here
FAQs about ISS score FMCSA.
1. What is a good ISS score?
A score below 50 is generally considered good, placing your fleet in the “Pass” category for inspection selection.
2. Can I find out my company’s ISS score?
Yes, you can request it through the FMCSA DataQs portal, though it’s not publicly listed like CSA scores.
3. How often is the ISS score updated?
FMCSA updates ISS scores monthly based on the latest inspection and safety data.
4. Does ISS score affect my ability to bypass weigh stations?
Absolutely. A lower ISS score increases your chances of receiving a bypass through systems like PrePass.
5. Can I improve my ISS score?
Yes, by focusing on clean inspections, reducing violations, and maintaining good safety practices.
6. Is the ISS score used across all states?
Most states that participate in electronic bypass programs use the ISS score to determine inspection selection. Each state may choose to use additional criteria for bypass eligibility.
External Resource
Final thoughts
Understanding your ISS score is more than just knowing a number—it’s about recognizing how data defines your fleet’s reputation on the road. Fleet managers who stay informed, stay compliant, and use tools like PrePass can transform safety performance into operational gains.
The road ahead is more efficient when you know how your score affects every stop—and when you partner with the right technology.
