16 October, 2003
category: Government, RFID
“The NEXUS program allows pre-screened frequent travelers between the two countries to use special border crossing lanes. Participants sign up for the NEXUS program at enrollment centers set up adjacent to major border crossings. Successful applicants receive a NEXUS identification card about the size of a credit card. Embedded in the card are a computer chip and a tiny RFID antenna. With that card, a NEXUS program participant can access specially designated crossing lanes. Once in the lane, he or she holds the card up to an RFID reader positioned well in front of the inspection booth. The reader flashes the participant’s photo and information onto a computer screen inside the booth. The inspector verifies that the photo on the screen matches the vehicle occupant and, if all checks out, authorizes the car to proceed. The clearance significantly reduces the time it takes to proceed through the standard lanes. A typical NEXUS inspection takes less then 5 seconds to complete.”